Serena Williams won her fifth U.S. open title this weekend beating out top competitor Victoria Azarenka, reports USA Today.
The 31-year-old tennis star initially struggled on the court battling unexpected winds and fighting to redeem herself after missing several important shots. Williams also admits that she was up against some tough competition.
“Vika’s such a great opponent, such a great fighter,” Williams said of Azarenka. “And that’s why she’s been able to win multiple Grand Slams. That’s why it’s never over until match point.”
Eventually, Williams composed herself and triumphed over Azarenka in the women’s singles final match. The victory increased Williams’ Grand Slam singles title count to 17, the sixth-most in history.
As a reward for her win, Williams took home a championship trophy and a $3.6 million prize, including a $1 million bonus for coming out on top during the North American summer hard-court circuit leading to the U.S. Open.
“When you’re always trying to write history, or join history in my case, maybe you just get a little more nervous than you should,” Williams said. “I also think it’s kind of cool, because it means a lot to you. It means a lot to me, this trophy and every single trophy that I have.”