Former world No. 1 American Venus Williams beat 16-year-old Czech Nicole Vaidisova, 6-3, 6-2 Saturday to win the inaugural Istanbul Cup -- a final French Open tuneup. The top-seeded Williams whipped 17-year-old Bulgarian qualifier Tszvetana Pironkova in the semifinals, while the second-seeded Vaidisova came from behind to beat third-seeded Israeli Anna Smashnova to reach Saturday's final. The 24-year-old Williams and Vaidisova had never met before Saturday. Williams, who won her first title since May of last year, owns 32 career championships, including four Grand Slam titles. She improved to 32-18 in her career final appearances. Vaidisova had won both of her previous two final appearances.