Samantha Stosur won the US open title in New York on Sunday.She has become Australia’s first female grand slam singles champion in 31 years after pulling off a stunning upset over American Serena Williams at this year’s US Open final;denying Williams a 14th title.

The Williams sisters have dominated the women’s game over the past 10 years, to a greater extent than any two players that have dominated this sport — an achievement made even more remarkable by their close sibling relationship.

Stosur entered a stadium in New York City named after the greatest African American male tennis player the world had seen, Arthur Ashe, and was drawn to play the greatest player of her era, Serena Williams, at a time when women’s tennis has gone from strength to strength.

The 13-time grand slam champion walked out onto court following emotional September 11 tributes ahead of Stosur, with the players hitting up in light rain.Fortunately for under-fire officials, it did not last long and play started on time with a calculating Stosur taking advantage of a nervous Williams to capture the first set in 31 minutes.For the most part,Stosur earned points from Williams’ mistakes.

Stosur produced the match of her life against a nervous Williams to win 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 13 minutes in front of 23,000 people on Arthur Ashe Stadium.The result made her Australia’s first grand slam champion since Evonne Goolagong Cawley secured her second Wimbledon title in 1980 and the first US open title winner since Margaret Court Smith(who has a record of 24 grand slam titles) in 1973.

The composure Stosur showed in capturing her maiden grand slam revived memories of Lleyton Hewitt’s win in the final on the very same court against Pete Sampras a decade ago.However the match was not without controversy with Williams berating the chair umpire after receiving a one-point penalty for verbal hindrance.

Williams shouted “come on” just as Stosur went to hit a ball on the baseline and the chair umpire penalised the American under the hindrance rule. Williams became heated even calling the umpire a ‘hater’. Adding. “If you ever see me walking down the hall, walk the other way”.

After the incident, an angry Williams seemed to be bringing on a come back. The decision handed Stosur an early break of serve and it infuriated Williams as she directed some sharp words at the chair umpire.It also woke up the crowd who booed the decision and a fired-up Williams then broke Stosur’s serve for the first time in the match.

The incident revived memories of Williams’ ugly outburst at a lineswoman during her semi-final loss to Kim Clijsters at the 2009 US Open. The altercation seemed to rattle Stosur for a couple of games but she held tough and took a break for a 4-3 lead in the second set.

The Queenslander yelled out “Come on” as she took a 5-3 lead before taking the match on her third championship point by ripping a forehand winner. As she claimed the winning point,an ecstatic Stosur threw her racquet in the air.At another time, she climbed the aisles to embrace her coach and team.

For winning the US open Stosur received a trophy and USD$1,800 000. Whilst, Williams won USD$ 900 000 for appearing in the final.

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Novac Djokovic wins US Open in an unbelievable performance.Djokovic. the Worlds’ number 1 showed no weakness during most of the match against Rafael Nadal. Djokovic’s forehand reigned supreme over Nadal’s signature powerful backhand.In the third set , ‘the King of clay’ Nadal attempted a comeback,but in the end Djokovic outplayed him.

Novac beat the defending champion 6-4;6-2;6-7;(7-3);6-1.Djokovic blasted through the last set 6-1 in just 38 minutes. He slumped to his knees in elation, relief and exhaustion after finally overcoming his great foe, Nadal after 246 mins of spectacular tennis.

Djokovic set the pace in the first three sets, but the brave Nadal found a way to win the third set and stay in the match after breaking Djokovic when he was serving for the match.The effort may have told, however, Nadal unable to repeat his torpedo like shots when it mattered most.

The red-hot Serb triumphed in a four-hour, 10-minute final featuring breathtaking shot-making, rock-solid defence, gruelling rallies as well as warnings for both men for taking too long between points. Nadal, who faced 26 break points and was out-hit in winners with his 32 lagging behind the champion’s 55, said he is determined to eventually overturn his losing run at the hands of Djokovic.

“I’m disappointed to lose, but Novak has been doing unbelievable things. What he has done this year will be impossible to repeat,” said the world No.2.”We pushed our bodies to the limits, I tried to play aggressive but he was making fantastic comebacks. I fought for every ball.”

Djokovic arrived on court sporting a New York fire department baseball cap, a gesture appreciated by the 23,000 crowd, just a day after the 10th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.Despite the tricky, swirling breeze, Nadal was quickly on top, breaking for a 2-0 lead before the Serb hit straight back for 2-1.

Djokovic has won an impressive 64 games in 2011, and lost just two.He now has captured 10 titles this year. This is the Serbians’ third major title this year,the sixth man to ever achieve this fete, and his first US Open title.Nadal defeated him in the final last year . ‘Djoker’ as he is affectionately known is clearly the man to beat this year.

He outplayed Roger Federer in a 5 set semi-final.His ground strokes are as penetrating as Nadal, his serve is more consistent than most of his rivals,and his temperant under pressure is now sound. Djokovic’s shot selection was a highlight today, the variety of his choices kept Nadal guessing, as well as running.

His return of service was also exceptional.He is a champion, master of more than the power game. His razor-sharp, sweeping backhand and killer forehand are difficult to match. He is on a gluten free diet for the past four months, which has definitely improved his agility. If he can maintain his fitness, Novac could become one of the all time greats.

Djokovic received a trophy and USD$1 800 000. Upon receving his prize the champion stated “”It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve had an amazing year. To play Rafa is always a great challenge and I hope we have many more tough matches in the years to come.”

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