Thirteen years after her first U.S. Open crown, No. 4 Serena Williams won her fourth title at the U.S. Open on Sunday, topping world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, in thrilling fashion in Flushing Meadow, N.Y.
Williams began the match in dominant form, needing just 34 minutes to take the first set in the late afternoon at Arthur Ashe Court, and looked well on her way to the victory, using 16 first-set winners to capture an early advantage. The tide turned quickly, however, as Azarenka was able to bounce back and take the second set from Williams in similar fashion.
Though Azarenka did not hit many winners in the second set (just three), her serve worked to her advantage, as she won 83 percent of her first-serve points and was only threatened with a break point once.
In the final set, Azarenka converted a critical break to go up 5-3 against Williams, but the now 15-time major champion won four straight games in convincing fashion to close out the match and finish the U.S. Open with a flourish.
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