Serena Williams (USA) reacts after winning the first set of the match against Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) in the women’s singles final of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
(Photo: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)
It took the biggest stage and home turf, but Serena Williams is once again a Grand Slam champion.
Shaking off some early nerves on 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, No. 1 Williams cruised past 10th seeded Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark 6-3, 6-3 in 75 minutes to win her third consecutive U.S. Open title and 18th career major singles crown.
It was her first Grand Slam title since winning in New York a year ago.
The 32-year-old American now sits in fourth place in major singles titles with Evert and Martina Navratilova, who also have 18 each.
Though good friends, the match would not prove emotionally complicated for a player who has competed against her protective older sister since childhood.
“If I can play Venus,” said Williams on Friday, “I can play anybody.”
In her on-court interview after the win, Williams was emotional talking about what New York means to her. “It is a pleasure to me to win my first Grand Slam here and No. 18,” she said. “I couldn’t ask to do it in a better place.”
Wozniacki congratulated her friend after the match. “You really deserved it today. You played better than me and you’re an unbelievable champion and an inspiration to me, on and off the court. You’re an unbelievable friend and you definitely owe drinks later.”
Source: USA Today | Douglas Robson
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