World number four Serena Williams clinched her 15th Grand Slam singles title at the 2012 US Open Tennis Championships on Saturday. The American beat top-ranked Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 to end her summer season on a high. Williams truly dominated the tour since her shock first round loss at the French Open tournament. After that surprising defeat, she went on to win the Wimbledon Championships, the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics and successfully defended the Bank of West Classic title.
She only lost 19 games on her first six match at the Flushing Meadows but faced tough challenge in the final, losing in the second set and was pushed to the limit on the third set, having to overcome the early lead from Azarenka.
“Oh my God. I honestly can’t believe I won,” Williams told Mary Carillo during the on-court trophy ceremony.
“I was really prepared for my runner-up speech, because she was playing so great. I’m really shocked right now,” she added.
Azarenka was understandably disappointed after squandering several chances to win the match. She was up 5-3 in the third set and was just two points away from victory before Williams came roaring back.
“Serena really deserved to win. She showed how true of a champion she is, and I’m honored to stand with such a champion,” Azarenka said.
“At the moment it’s tough but I gave it my all, and stepping off this court I will have no regrets,” the world number one added.
Despite not winning the title, Azarenka retains the world number one ranking.
Check out the winners’ list of the 2012 US Open Tennis Championships
