The Family Circle Cup victory may be a launching pad to a great season for Williams, who was sidelined for nearly a year by foot injuries and health issues before returning last summer.
"I really feel like, hopefully, I'll remember this so I can play like this more often," Williams said.
Williams also was happy to honor the 40th anniversary of the Family Circle tournament and the legacy of women's tennis. The tournament named its stadium court on Saturday night for tennis great and pioneer Billie Jean King, who was on court during Williams' trophy ceremony.
King and members of the Original 9 players, who defied the tennis establishment to form the first women's tour and fight for better prize money, were saluted during the weekend
Williams earned $115,000 for the victory, a far cry from the first Family Circle in 1973 — won by Rosie Casals — that offered a then-unheard of $100,000 in total prize money.
"I want to thank Billie," Williams said. "Without her, I don't know if any of us would be here."
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