Miami - Serena Williams had to struggle to control two massive letdowns, barely scraping past an ailing Jelena Jankovic 6-1, 5-7, 6-3 to win a fifth title at the Miami Masters on Saturday.

Jankovic, suffering with sinus congestion and taking antibiotics, was seen by the trainer early in the final set after staging an heroic fightback to lift the second set on a Williams double-fault.

Williams twice served for the match and wasted seven match points. In her frustration, she smashed a racket before finally limping home.

Williams now stands alongside Miami all-time champion Steffi Graf, who won the event five times in the late 1980s to mid 1990s.

Eight-time Grand Slam holder Williams improved to 47-5 at her home event while running her 2008 record to 14 wins, one loss. (dpa)