{blackbabes} Serena Williams surges in WTA rankings to No. 31

Her game growing stronger as the U.S. Open nears, Serena Williams soared from No. 80 to No. 31 in the WTA rankings following her victory in the Rogers Cup.

Williams has won her last two tournaments, the other title coming at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, California, two weeks ago. She has played in four tournaments since her return.

She beat Samantha Stosur 6-4, 6-2 on Sunday in Toronto, the latest step in a comeback from injury and illness that sidelined her 49 weeks. The U.S. Open starts Aug. 29.

Caroline Wozniacki is No. 1 in Monday's rankings, followed by Vera Zvonareva, Kim Clijsters, Victoria Azarenka and Li Na. Zvonareva advanced one spot.

The top five men held their rankings: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Robin Soderling.