Serena Williams wins US Open Series 2014

The semifinal win at Premier-level Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati confirmed Serena Williams’ win at the US Open Series 2014. The American world number one will now have a chance to play for a record $4 million payday at the US Open, which begins in less than two weeks.

A year ago, Williams won the US Open Series and the US Open which saw her pocketing a record $3.6 million in prize money at the conclusion of the hardcourt Grand Slam tournament in New York. She will have another chance to break her own record this year.

Williams performed well during the North American hardcourt season – winning the Bank of the West Classic title in Stanford, a semifinal finish at the Rogers Cup in Montreal, and now a final appearance in Cincinnati which could conclude with a title win should she overcome former top-ranked Ana Ivanovic on Sunday.

“It means a lot to me,” Williams said. “I’m really excited. I really wanted to be there and wanted to support these tournaments. More than anything, I wanted to play matches. I just wanted to be there.

“It’s just a wonderful feeling to be able to win the US Open Series. It’s really cool.”

In the men’s side, Rafael Nadal would go on to achieve the same feat and won $3.6 million as well in 2013. This won’t be the case for the Spaniard as he skipped Toronto and Cincinnati due to wrist injury.

The second and third placers are yet to be determined as the Connecticut Open in New Haven will still be contested starting on Monday, August 18.