Capriati struggled to find her best form

Both players made unforced errors as the finish line approached, but an improvement in Williams' serve from the early stages made the difference.

And when Williams broke in the sixth game it proved to be the decisive moment as she held on against an unusually hesitant Capriati.

The match had begun with a Capriati break of serve, and there were five more in the opening set, with the top seed making the vital breakthrough in the eighth game.

And despite the expected fierce hitting from both players, there were more errors than normal from two of the world's leading names.

"Serena has improved over the last two years, she plays the big points a lot better," said Capriati.

"She's in better shape and her concentration has also improved."