Serena beats Azarenka to win her 5th US Open title

New York: Serena Williams got the better of Victoria Azarenka, 7-5, 6-7, 6-1, in two hours and 45 minutes for her fifth career US Open title and 17th major championship in a thrilling encounter here at Flushing Meadows on Sunday.

Serena edged Azarenka in a thrilling three-setter to earn a record payout - a cool $3.6 million – $2.6 million for her US Open win and an additional $1 million in bonus prize money for winning the Emirates Airline US Open Series Bonus Challenge this summer.

She also improved her record in Grand Slam finals to an impressive 17-4, her record against Azarenka to 12-3 and put her one Grand Slam title shy of tying Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova’s haul of 18 majors.

Serena, after the win, said, "I definitely felt the love today, so thank you all for the support - it's an honor playing in New York, and I give all the love and glory to Jehovah. Victoria's such a great player and a great person too, and it was an honor to play against you. And thank you to everyone in the box too!"

Azarenka said, "It's a tough loss, but to be in the final again and play against the best was great," Azarenka said. "We fought hard and gave all our hearts out there, and I just have to say congratulations to Serena."