World number one Serena Williams once again edged world number two Victoria Azarenka in a thrilling three-set final at the US Open 2013 Championships. This is the American’s fifth US Open title and 17th Grand Slam overall. On top of that, she gets to go home with a record $3.6 million paycheck.
It was an interesting match from the start with Williams winning the first set in 58 minutes 7-5. The momentum continued in the second set with Williams dashing to a 4-1 lead only to squander that and Azarenka fought back to win five of the next seven games to force a tiebreaker. The Belarussian miraculously sealed the second set 7-6 after 70 minutes when Williams’ backhand sailed long.
The third set was all Williams, though. The American regrouped just in time to wrestle the lead and unlike in the second set, she never looked back. She went on to win five games in a row to finally claim her fifth US Open title with a final score of 7-5 6-7(6) 6-1.
Despite the defeat, Azarenka was gracious with her speech during the awarding of the trophies.
“It’s a tough loss, but to be in the final again and play against the best was great,” Azarenka said. “We fought hard and gave all our hearts out there, and I just have to say congratulations to Serena.”
Williams returned the favor and also acknowledged the crowd for the support.
“I definitely felt the love today, so thank you all for the support – it’s an honor playing in New York, and I give all the love and glory to Jehovah,” Williams said. “Victoria’s such a great player and a great person too, and it was an honor to play against you. And thank you to everyone in the box too!”
Williams admitted that she had to fight hard until she sealed the match point.
“Vika’s such a great opponent and such a great fighter, and that’s why she’s been able to win multiple Grand Slams,” Williams commented. “So that’s why the match definitely wasn’t over until match point today.”
With 17 Grand Slam titles, Williams now only trails Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert with just one (both players achieving 18 Grand Slam singles titles) in the all time list.
