WASHINGTON, September 9, 2012 — Once again Serena Williams proved her mettle against Victoria Azarenda at the US Open Women’s Final, battling back from being down in the second set to rally with grit, determination, and power, winning 6-2, 2-6, 7-5.
But the score barely tells the whole story. After the first set, it looked like it was going to be another Serena sweep. Then Azarenda in the second set took control, winning it and obviously rattling Serena. Her play was still affected going into the third set of the match, double-faulting, not moving as nimbly, making errors. Serena was even trailing Azarenda and was two points from defeat, when she regained her mojo and slowly rebuilt her game by sheer steely determination.
However, it was a struggle because Azarenda never surrendered an inch, fighting for every point and forcing the match into a tiebreaker. Gutsy and agile Azarenda gave Serena Williams a run for the money, in this case a pot worth $1.1 million. Azarenda will have to settle for $550,000.
Serena Williams is the first woman to win both Wimbledon and the US Open in the same season since she took both a decade ago. In between the two tournaments, she also carried home a Gold Medal from the London Olympics.
While Serena did a victory dance across the court in almost disbelief at her stunning victory, Azarenda, devastated, sat slumped, covering her head with a towel, crying. She had come so close, but she was up against a woman who has been a force of nature on the court this year.
With 15 Grand Slams under her belt, there is no question that Serena Williams has earned the title of being one of tennis’ greatest players. Today’s exhibit of both will power and physical power as she fought her way back from the brink proves that at 30 years old she is at her peak performance. Just ask Azarenda.
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