‘Just Serena’: Williams’ upset win at US Open keeps the legend advancing in final days of her storied career
Serena Williams has taken the first step into the history books, becoming the oldest female winner at a Grand Slam since 1991.
The former tennis superstar overcame world No 1 and compatriot Caroline Wozniacki’s strong serve to beat Williams 6-3, 6-3 in the women’s final on Thursday to reach her 36th major final and first since Wimbledon in 2014.
It is the first time the two have met in a Grand Slam final.
The defeat means Williams, 35, overtakes compatriot Helen Wills Moody in the women’s singles race, which was last decided by Serena’s victory over her fellow American Michelle Larcher de Brito in the third-level contest in 2010.
Williams won that encounter, which took place at the Australian Open last August, after winning all four of her singles rubbers with three breaks of serve in the second set.
Williams became the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam title after defeating compatriot Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-3 in the women’s final at US Open on Thursday
The victory means Williams overtakes compatriot Helen Wills Moody in the women’s singles race, which was last decided by Serena’s victory over her fellow American Michelle Larcher de Brito in the third-level contest in 2010
After a long lay-off, Williams is now set for her 10th title at a major at the end of a successful 2018 campaign at which she claimed nine Masters 1000 and 14 Grand Slam titles.
She last lost in the US Open final in 2017, when she was beaten 4-6, 4-6 by Angelique Kerber.
But she has been in good form so far this year, finishing the clay season with five titles in just four ranking events.
The former world No 1 was a two-