Serena Williams Beats Azarenka in Three Sets for U.S. Open Title
The defending champion and top seed Serena Williams took a somewhat scenic route through the final but ultimately arrived at her fifth United States Open title, defeating No. 2 Victoria Azarenka, 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-1.
It was Williams’s fifth career United States Open title and 17th Grand Slam title over all.
Williams served twice for the championship in the second set, but Azarenka broke her both times and ultimately won a tiebreak to force a decisive final set.
But Williams, who dominated that third set as Azarenka struggled with unforced errors, ultimately claimed the title on her second championship point when an Azarenka backhand return sailed long.
Serena Williams with the trophy after winning the U.S. Open over Victoria Azarenka.
Azarenka had composed herself by the time the trophy ceremony began, and she smiled broadly at the warm ovation she received from the crowd.
Because she had won the lead-up U.S. Open Series as well, Williams earned an additional $1 million in prize money, bringing her total earnings to $3.6 million. Azarenka earned an additional $250,000 for finishing second in both the lead-up and the tournament.
After the two posed for photos together, they shared a hug and Azarenka exited the court. Williams posed for several more herself, then headed off the court as well, signing autographs as she exited.
Victoria Azarenka after being defeated by Serena Williams in the final of the U.S. Open.
The third time trying to close out the title proved the charm for Serena Williams, closing out the third set 6-1.
Williams lost her first match point on a forehand error into the net but won it on her second opportunity when an Azarenka backhand return landed just long. After the ball landed out, Williams leaped for joy several times, and then shook hands with Azarenka. As Williams celebrated with screams of “Come on!” and “Yes!” Azarenka sat in her chair and began to cry.
Helped by an uncharacteristic number of unforced errors by Azarenka — including in the last 3 straight points of the previous game — Williams has taken a commanding 5-1 lead in the third set.
She will now attempt to serve for the United States Open championship for a third time, about 40 minutes after her previous attempt.
The sun set over center court at Arthur Ashe stadium on Sunday during the match between Williams and Azarenka.
Williams drew first blood in the third set, earning break point on Azarenka’s serve at 1-2. Azarenka saved the first break point with a backhand volley winner as both players were at net, but she double faulted on the second to put Williams ahead, 3-1.
Williams then followed by holding at love, finishing with a second serve ace to go up 4-1.
That 4-1 lead is the same margin by which Williams led in the second set, however, and all parties involved will remember how that one ended.
7:18 P.M.On Serve in Third Set
Williams appeared to still be affected by the way she lost the second set as the third began, double faulting on the opening point and going down, 0-30. But she steeled herself to hold serve to open the set. Azarenka then held her own serve, and Williams followed suit with an 11-shot rally to begin the final set steadily on serve at 2-1.
This is only the second time since 1996 that there has been a three-set women’s final at this tournament; the only other time was last year when these two met in a Grand Slam final for the first time.
Congrats Serena!
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