Serena Williams beats Victoria Azarenka to win US Open

Serena Williams showed incredible resolve to outlast Victoria Azarenka and secure her fourth US Open title.

The 30-year-old lifted her 15th Grand Slam singles crown - and fourth in New York - with a 6-2 2-6 7-5 win in 138 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

World number one Azarenka served for the match, but Williams broke in a run of four ruthless games to triumph.

She became the first player aged over 30 to win the US Open women's singles since Martina Navratilova in 1987.

"I honestly can't believe I won," said the American. "I was preparing my runner-up speech because she was playing so great."

Azarenka wept into a towel at the end as her dream of becoming the first Belarusian to win the US Open ended in agonising fashion.

"It's tough but Serena deserves to win," said the 23-year-old. "She showed what a true champion she is.

"I'm honoured to stand with such a true champion here. I definitely gave it my all today, stepping out of this court I have no regrets."

It was a dramatic end to an captivating encounter that suggests Williams remains the leading player in women's tennis and further cements her place among the legends of the sport.

-  BBC.co.uk