Serena Williams beats Azarenka to win US Open title

Serena Williams, the world number tennis player, won her fifth US Open title and a second in a row after defeating Victoria Azarenka, 7-5, 6-7,(6/8), 6-1 on Sunday. This is her 17thcareer Grand Slam crown.
Serena Williams, 31 years old is now the oldest Open Era women's winner in US Open history, 293 days older than Margaret Court when she set the prior mark in 1973 and the third oldest Grand Slam women's champion of the Open Era.
"Victoria is such a great competitor. She was really able to push me into a third set. I was really stern with myself. I knew that if I wanted to win, I had to play better."
Azarenka admitted Williams was the superior performer in windy conditions at Arthur Ashe Stadium that baffled both players at times and sent Williams' pink dress fluttering above her waist much of the match.
"It's a tough loss but being in the final against the best player, who deserves the win, it's incredible," Azarenka said. "I gave it everything I had. I fought hard."
With the victory, Williams has won more than $9 million in 2013, a one-year women's record, and boosted her career winnings above $50 million as well as capturing her ninth title of the year, a one-season personal best.
She also has 55 career titles in total.
Williams seized a 4-1 lead in the second set but Azarenka broke her twice as she served for the match, later admitting she had lost focus "completely", and took her into a tie-breaker.
After being twice denied on set points by Williams, Azarenka swatted a service winner to lead 7-6 and Williams sent a forehand long to put herself into a third set.
"I was really disappointed," Williams said. "I felt like I had some chances. I didn't play a smart match in that second set. When I was up I didn't play like I could have and I should have."
Azarenka owned the momentum entering the final set but double faulted away a break to Williams, who promply fired three aces in the fifth game to hold for a 4-1 lead, one of them the fastest of the tournament by anyone at 126 mph.
When Azarenka netted a baseline forehand to surrender a break, Williams had her third chance to serve for the title.
This time, she did not fail.