Serena Williams staged a brilliant fightback to win her 15th grand slam singles title at the US Open in a thrilling final against world number one Victoria Azarenka.
The fourth seed dominated the first set but Azarenka fought back superbly and served for the match in the decider only for Williams to reel off four games in a row to win 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
It was a fourth Flushing Meadows crown for the 30-year-old American, who looked amazed as she lay flat on her back on Arthur Ashe Stadium before going to celebrate with her friends and family.
"I honestly can't believe I won," she said at the post-match ceremony. "I really was preparing my runners-up speech. She's playing so great. I'm really shocked and so happy to have gotten so far."
Azarenka was gracious in defeat, and said she would leave Flushing Meadows with no regrets.
"At the moment it's tough, but Serena deserved to win," the 23-year-old said. "She showed how true a champion she is. I'm just honoured standing with such a champion here."
