Story highlights Serena Williams wins French Open title Top seed beats defending champion Maria Sharapova in final 16th grand slam triumph for Williams She last won French Open back in 2002 Serena Williams powered her way to the French Open title Saturday with a straight sets victory over defending champion Maria Sharapova of Russia in a compelling final. The top seed from the United States ran out a 6-4 6-4 winner in one hour 46 minutes to clinch her 16th grand slam crown. Sharapova put up a brave fight but could not prevent Williams from claiming her first French Open title since her maiden triumph in 2002. The 26-year-old had not beaten her American opponent since 2004 and despite taking a 2-0 lead in the first set, then found Williams an irresistible force. Read: Top two in the world to contest French final Serving for the match, Williams took the first of two championship points, clinching it with a thunderous ace, her 10th of a gripping final. Photos: The French Open: Best photos Photos: The French Open: Best photos The French Open: Best photos – Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after getting match point against David Ferrer of Spain during…