World No1 Serena Williams, playing her first tournament since a disappointing Wimbledon campaign, got her hardcourt build-up to the US Open off to a good start by defeating third-seeded German Angelique Kerber 7-6 (7/1), 6-3 to win the WTA Stanford crown.

The American will try to carry the momentum into next week’s tournament at Montreal with the US Open at the back of her mind.

The 17-time grand slam champion has struggled in majors this year, failing to make it past the fourth round in the Australian Open, French Open or Wimbledon.

“That would definitely make (my year) better,” Williams said. “That would be a great thing. But I’m just focused on the next tournament.”

Williams can expect to be tested in her title defence at Montreal, where she could face Wimbledon finalist and Canadian hope Eugenie Bouchard in the quarter-finals.