CHARLESTON, S.C. — Serena Williams defeated Vera Zvonareva 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to capture the $1.3 million Family Circle Cup, her third tournament title of the year.

The victory today in Charleston was Williams' first clay court title since the 2002 French Open.

Williams, ranked ninth in the world, is 19-1 in matches this year. It was her fifth appearance in Charleston, but her first title. She was runner-up to Justine Henin in 2003.