Only in the last four thanks to Ana Ivanovic dropping a set against Simona Halep on Friday, the world number one took full advantage of her reprieve, but had to show incredible resolve to triumph 2-6 6-3 7-6 (8-6) in Singapore.
Williams produced 41 unforced errors, although other aspects of her game - most notably firing down 12 aces - enabled her to get the better of close friend Wozniacki, who successfully served to stay in the match in the decider to force a tie-break.
Wozniacki looked in control in the tie break at 4-1, only for Williams to respond with five successive points before converting match point at the third time of asking.