Angelique Kerber of Germany kisses the trophy after the women's singles final match against Karolina Pliskova of Czech Republic at the 2016 U.S. Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 10, 2016. Angelique Kerber won 2-1 and claimed the title. (Xinhua/Qin Lang)
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- New world No.1 Angelique Kerber of Germany defeated Czech player Karolina Pliskova in the women's final here on Saturday, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, to win her second career Grand Slam title and her first U.S. Open trophy.
Kerber enjoyed a brilliant 2016 campaign as she won both the US Open and the Australian Open, and the runner-up in Wimbledon. Kerber also became the second woman in open era to win her first two majors after the age of 28 since Chinese player Li Na.
"It's the best year in my career. It's just incredible. Everything started here in 2011 and now I'm standing here with the trophy. It means so much to me," said Kerber with tear in her eyes.
Kerber also ascended to world No. 1 at 28, the oldest player to ever do so for the first time.
"It means a lot to me to be No. 1. When I was a kid, I wanted to be No. 1 in the world and win Grand Slams. All the dreams came true this year. I'm trying to enjoy all the moments, on court and off court," Kerber added.
Playing in her first Grand Slam final, the 24-year-old Pliskova did an amazing job in the last two weeks as she beat Venus Williams in the fourth round and Serena Williams in the semifinal, becoming only the fourth woman to beat both Williams siblings in one Grand Slam.
"It was a great match tonight," said Pliskova. "I knew it was going to be difficult. I found some power in myself in the second set. Even though I couldn't get the win, I'm proud of the way I've played the last few weeks. Hopefully, many more finals to come."
