Serena excited at third title

Williams: New world No.1

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Serena Williams could not hide her joy after claiming a third US Open crown on Sunday night - securing the world number one spot in the process.

The American gave the partisan home fans at Flushing Meadows the result they wanted as she recorded a hard-fought straight sets triumph over Serb Jelena Jankovic - winning 6-4 7-5 in a little over two hours.

Williams last won the tournament in 2002 and has also ended a five-year wait to reclaim the world's top ranking.

Speaking after her victory on the Arthur Ashe Court, the 26-year-old stated: "I'm so excited. I wasn't even going for number one and it's just like an added bonus.

"It is that special because I've been working so hard.

"I have to thank my parents, my mom for being so supportive and of course my dad for being there always.

"I love my family, and of course Venus. She's given me some game plans for my last two matches. It really helped me get through.

"And Sasha, my hitting partner. I'm so mean to him sometimes. He got so many balls back and I was like: 'Jelena, is going to get everything back'. So thank you."

Jankovic - who was appearing in a first Grand Slam final - paid tribute to her opponent, admitting Williams had emerged as a worthy winner, but insisted she was delighted with her performance at the event.

Proud

"I was proud to be in the finals but I'm always disappointed when I lose," said the Serb. "Serena was a better player tonight. Congratulations to her for winning the whole tournament. She was just too good tonight.

"I really had a lot of injuries and struggled throughout the year with my health. For me to be in the finals was a great achievement.

"I had a great two weeks. I really fought hard out there every match and tonight I gave everything I had. Unfortunately it was not enough.

"Tonight was special because it was my first final of a grand slam but I did not look at it that way. I really went out there like it's just another final of a tournament.

"We had great points and it was entertaining tennis out there. But she was the better one tonight.

"I had my chances in the first set and in the second set as well, and also some unlucky points. I should have won them but I didn't. I let my opportunities slip away."

Upset at umpire

However, Jankovic did reveal her displeasure with the umpire who she felt aided a clearly tiring Williams in the second set.

"I felt she was tired and I really had my chances," she continued. "I really was a little bit upset about the umpire, you know.

"She (Williams) took quite a lot of time in between the points and I thought it was not fair."