Somebody finally took a set off Serena Williams, but still, the American battled back brilliantly to clinch her fourth U.S. Open title with a 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 win over Victoria Azarenka in the final at Flushing Meadows.
Down 3-5 in the final set, the 30-year-old won four straight games, including the one which saw Azarenka serve for the match, on her way to her 15th Grand Slam.
"I honestly can't believe I won," Williams said. "I was preparing my runner-up speech because she was playing so great."
With the victory, Williams became the first player over 30 to win the U.S. Open since Martina Navratilova in 1987.
Azarenka looked like she was on her way to her second Grand Slam win of the year, dominating the final set, before the amazing comeback from Williams. "It's tough but Serena deserves to win," Azarenka said. "She showed what a true champion she is.
"I'm honored to stand with such a true champion here. I definitely gave it my all today, stepping out of this court I have no regrets."
Azarenka admitted to a little bit of nervousness while coming into serving for the championship at 5-4, knowing that Williams would give it her all with absolutely nothing to lose. "There was no other choice for her to do. In the back of my mind, I had that coming," Azarenka said.
"So that maybe was a little bit of hesitation for me. But I have to say Serena produced some amazing tennis. I feel like I could have done a little bit better, but there was nothing that I did absolutely wrong."
Williams said she had no plans to stop and was hungry for more titles. "I think I competed really well," she said. "I never stopped competing, no matter what, and I think sometimes if you can just go out and compete, then you can continue to do well.
"My motivation is so up there. I'm so motivated to just stay focused. I just feel like I'm ready for the next tournament. I really want to be focused and do well there and just keep the dream alive."
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