It took 3 grueling sets but Serena Williams defeated Victoria Azarenka 7-5, 6-7 (6-8), 6-1 to win her 5th U.S. Open title, and her 17th Grand Slam singles title overall.
“Vika’s such a great opponent; she’s such a fighter,” a relieved Williams said after the match. “It was never over until match point.”
Azarenka was gracious in her defeat. After the match, Azarenka and Williams embraced. “I did everything I could,” Azarenka said. “I fought as hard as I could. But I lost to a great champion.”
Williams, who was pushed to a 3rd set for the first time the entire tournament, told Azarenka it had been an honor to play her.
Williams took home a check worth $3.6 million including a $1 million bonus for winning the US Open Series.
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