US Open 2013 Day 14: Serena claims fifth US Open title
Wimbledon.com's highlights from the fourteenth day of play at the 2013 US Open in Flushing Meadows, New York...
Big win
Serena Williams d. Victoria Azarenka 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-1
There were fears when Serena Williams broke Victoria Azarenka in the opening game of this final that it might prove to be an all-too short afternoon on Arthur Ashe. Those fears rose again when she lead 5-2 in the second set too. But Azarenka really came to play on this occasion, as she did at this juncture last year, taking Serena's serve off her four times in the match, winning a second set tie-break from nowhere, and forcing Serena into situations she isn't often in.
Having served for the match twice at 5-4 and then 6-5, Serena made no mistake on the third occasion, at 5-1 in the third set. As Azarenka said, she raised her game when she needed to, grabbed the momentum, and grabbed the win.
"I thought, This is outrageous that I'm still out here, because I had a great opportunity to win already. So I thought, You know what? I just have to relax, calm down, and play smarter tennis. The whole match I wasn't playing smart, and I needed to play better."
And she did. That's what champions do. Her fifth US Open singles title, her 17th Grand Slam singles title. How many more will there be?
Well respected
For the second year in a row, Victoria Azarenka, came, battled, but didn't conquer. But she did gain tremendous respect from the Arthur Ashe crowd and those watching with both her on court display, and her gracious performance in defeat.
Villain of the day
Serena's dress. It was bothering her consistently for the first part of the first set, one pundit suggesting that it was the reason for her poor serve percentage as it interrupted her rhythm. Alternatively, it was the wind's fault.
Famous face
Former President Bill Clinton was one of the many famous faces on Arthur Ashe today. He met Serena's dog, Chip, too.
Stats of the day
Serena ties Roger Federer in Grand Slam titles (17) for first time since they both had seven after Federer won the 2006 Australian Open. Williams won six before Federer won his first one.
She is also the first woman in her 30s to win four Grand Slam singles titles.
She also became the first woman, and only fourth player (after Federer, Nadal, Djokovic), to surpass $9m in prize money earnings in a season.
Feel good of the day
The standing ovation for Billie Jean King at the start of the final.
Not forgetting...
Men's doubles champions Radek Stepanek and Leander Paes, who crushed Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares 6-3, 6-1 to win their second Grand Slam title together.
Boys' singles champion Borna Coric who saw off Thanasi Kokkinakis 3-6, 6-3, 6-1.
Girls' singles champion Ana Konjuh who topped Tornado Alicia Black 3-6, 6-4, 7-6
Quote of the day
VICTORIA AZARENKA: Rafa convinced me to support him.
Q. How did he convince you?
VICTORIA AZARENKA: How? He was practicing with his shirt off (laughter).
Coming up tomorrow
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For all the reports and results from Flushing Meadows, visit the Official US Open website
