Venus Williams completed a trophy hat-trick at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Saturday as she defeated Alize Cornet 6-3 6-0 in the final, becoming the first wild card entry to win the event.

The unseeded 33-year-old also lifted titles at the Aviation Club in 2009 and 2010, the last time she played.

The former number one took victory with her 15th straight victory at the desert venue, winning in 91 minutes.

Williams, who has been battling health problems, took her last WTA title 16 months ago in Luxembourg.

Cornet had been aiming to become the first player in four years to beat both Williams sisters at the same event after putting out world number one Serena in a semi-final shock.

The French player, ranked 26th, was chasing the fourth title of her career; Williams, 33, claimed her 45th from her 73rd final, winning without the loss of a set all week.

The victory sends Williams back to 29th in the WTA rankings, while Cornet moves closer to the top 20.

“It’s good to be back,” said the winner, who had to get through a 10-minute concluding game in which she overcame a double-fault and had to save two break points before winning on her second match point, a final Cornet error.

“Alize is such a fighter, as that last game shows. I had to give everything, It all came together for me tonight.

“I’m feeling good with my game and my health and it’s showed this week.”

Cornet agreed: “Venus was just too good for me today,” said the Frenchwoman.

“Of course I’m disappointed but I had a great week. I would have wanted a better final but I gave my all.”