Serena Williams brushes Maria Sharapova aside

Serena Williams has secured the 50th singles title of her career with a straight-sets win over Maria Sharapova at the Madrid Open this afternoon.

The American gave her opponents few chances in the first set, using her power to secure a 6-1 win.

The world number two found her way into the match in the second set, securing a break against the reigning champions early on.

However, the 31-year-old broke back before winning a game against the Sharapova serve to leave herself just needing to serve out the match.

The win ensures that Williams will maintain her world number one status.