Serena Williams Defeats Victoria Azarenka In 2013 U.S. Open

Serena Williams Wins 17th Grand Slam, Defeats Victoria Azarenka In 2013 U.S. Open

Serena Williams has defeated Victoria Azarenka to win the 2013 U.S. Open. Williams prevailed in a three-set nail-biter 7-5, 6-7, 6-1.

“Victoria, you played unbelievable,” Williams told Azarenka on the court after the match. “What a great match. … It was an honor to play you.”

Williams continued to give her plucky opponent praise: “Vika’s such a great opponent. She’s such a fighter. … It was never over until match point.”

This is Williams’ 5th U.S. Open win, and her 17th Grand Slam title.

Williams’ prize, the largest money check in women’s sports, is $3.6 million — $2.6 million for the Open title plus a $1 million bonus as the winner of the US Open Series.

QUEEN OF NEW YORK: @SerenaWilliams claims 5th #usopen title, defeating #Vika #Azarenka, 7-5, 6-7(6), 6-1. #Serena pic.twitter.com/O5rNx48jmV

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2013