After a year of doubt, Serena Williams proved that she is back and as strong as ever.
The world number one blew Caroline Wozniacki away in the final of the US Open, beating the Danish former number one 6-3, 6,3.
Almost as soon as Billie Jean King had officiated the coin toss, the match was never in doubt as Williams overpowered Wozniacki. The Dane, in her second grand slam final, just had no answers to Williams’ power and her serve.
At one point early in the second set Williams had hit 22 winners. Wozniacki had hit just one.
Sweet eighteen
The victory secured Williams’ 18th career grand slam singles title, taking her level with Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Williams is now just four behind Steffi Graf, who holds the all time record with 22 career grand slam single titles in the open era.
Yet the thought of Serena adding to her 17 titles seemed slim earlier this year.
She had not made the quarter finals at any grand slam this season. Her retirement from Wimbledon during a doubles match added to the sense of crisis.
But Williams is judged differently to other players. She’s still the world’s number one player and has been in imperious form during the past fortnight. Williams didn’t even drop a set during the tournament.
Wozniacki overpowered
It was a disappointing end to the tournament for Wozniacki, who has returned to form after a difficult period in her personal life. But she was gracious in defeat.
“You are an unbelievable champion and an inspiration on and off the court,” Wozniacki told Williams after the match.
“And we’ll go for drinks later,” she added.
Serena Williams was emotional and close to tears after her victory.
“It was a really wonderful feeling,” she said. “It was wonderful finish.”
Presentation
The victory meant that Williams picked up a cool $4 million, but that wasn’t the highlight of the presentation. Navratilova and Evert presented Williams with an 18 carat bracelet to commemorate her 18th title.
But thoughts will now turn to whether Williams can match, or even surpass, Steffi Graf’s all time record.
“Now I’ve got to go home,” Williams said, “and get fit again for Australia.”
Stories of Williams demise, once again, have proved to be premature.
