Serena Wins 17th Grand Slam Title With U.S. Open Win Over Azarenka

In three tough sets, top-seeded Serena Williams defeated second-seeded Victoria Azarenka for the second straight year in the finals of the U.S. Open, 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-1. The championship gives Serena her 17th Grand Slam title and her fifth U.S. Open Singles Title. This was Serena’s second major singles title of the year, as she also won the French Open in June.

“I think I played pretty solid in the tournament,” said Serena. “You know, today wasn’t my best tennis of the tournament, but it was a lot of things going on going against a good player, and it was good just to get through that.”

It looked as if Serena was on her way to an easy victory, but she failed to close out the match in the second set, despite serving for the match twice. By the end of the second set, Azarenka’s play and the wind, which was swirling on Arthur Ashe Stadium Court, seemed to be getting into Serena’s head. As champions do though, Serena was able to regain her composure in the third set and broke Azarenka in her first service game and she never looked back winning the third set 6-1.

“Sometimes she [Serena] really goes for it; sometimes she finds great depth; sometimes she finds good angles,” said Azarenka. “Her variety is really good, you know, as well as mine. I also try to redirect balls. I think she was being a little bit more consistent. In the important moments, she really took her chance.”

Her 17th Grand Slam is one short of tying the 18 that both Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova were able to win.

“I felt almost disappointed with my year, to be honest,” said Serena. I felt like, yeah, I won the French Open, but I wasn’t happy with my performances in the other two Slams, and, not even making it to the quarterfinals. I definitely feel a lot better with at least a second Grand Slam title under my belt this year.”

Credit all photos to Adam Wolfthal

Sister Venus Williams was on hand to cheer on Serena as she claimed her 17th Grand Slam title

Serena Williams en route to her U.S. Open finals win over Victoria Azarenka

Victoria Azarenka was unsuccessful Sunday in her pursuit of her second Grand Slam title of 2013

Runner-up Victoria Azarenka and 2013 U.S. Open winner Serena Williams after their finals match on Arthur Ashe Stadium