1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
IranIsrael-Hamas warIndia elections 2024

Serena Williams wins US Open

September 9, 2013

Serena Williams has repeated as US Open champion after beating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in New York. It is her fifth title at the tournament and 17th Grand Slam trophy overall.

https://p.dw.com/p/19dub
erena Williams of the U.S. celebrates after defeating Victoria Azarenka of Belarus in their women's singles final match at the U.S. Open tennis championships in New York September 8, 2013. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Image: Reuters

It was the longest women's final since time records began in 1980 on Sunday at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Battling strong winds, Williams defeated Azarenka 7-5 6-7(6) 6-1 during the 2 hour 45 minute contest.

She is the first person to defend her title in the US Open since Kim Clijsters in 2010.

"It's always such an honor to play in New York," Williams said. "Victoria played unbelievable. What a great match and what a great opponent. She's such a fighter. It was never going to be over until the last point."

Williams, who turns 32 later this month, became the oldest US Open women's winner since the tournament turned professional 45 years ago. Her 17 Grand Slam titles puts her sixth on the all-time list, one behind Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

"It is a tough loss. But the best player deserves the win today," Azarenka said. "I gave it all again this year."

The title means Williams collects the $2.6 million (2 million euros) plus an additional $1 million for having won the US Open run-up series of tournaments.

dr/mr (Reuters, AP, dpa)