US Open: Serena Williams edges Victoria Azarenka in three set finale

Serena wins the US Open

Serena Williams claimed her second Grand Slam title of the year as she defeated Victoria Azarenka, 6-2 3-6 7-5 in one of the best finals we have witnessed on the ladies side for quite sometime.  Serena was at her punishing best in the first set, in particular ripping the return, but her game went off the boil in the second set and Vika stepped up her level too to make it one set all.  Azarenka led 5-3 in the final set and was two points from the match at one stage, but she just could not exert her authority against Serena who came roaring back to take the title.  

Azarenka was extremely positive in her post-match conference despite her inability to serve the match out.  She has had a terrific 2012 and to take a set off Serena was particularly impressive with many people predicting a complete whitewash.  Although Azarenka is the world number one, no-one can deny Serena is the best player in the world.  Petra Kvitova tweeted Serena this afternoon saying congrats to Serena and mentioned how she is pushing everyone to be better and better, which I think is true to some extent.  

For so long, particularly during the phase where Caroline Wozniacki and Vera Zvonareva, the womens game lacked a driving force, but Serena is playing close to her best and there is some healthy competition behind her with the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Maria Sharapova, Petra Kvitova and Angelique Kerber in the chasing pack.  Azarenka definitely has the potential to push Serena hard if she can keep improving and develop some pop of the serve. I think this was a fantastic tournament for the WTA and I think the Season Ending Championships are going to be very interesting in Istanbul...