Stosur defeats S. Williams in US Open Final

Watch Video

Play Video

In tennis, the women's singles final at the U-S Open promised a classic matchup between a dominant star and an up-and-coming hopeful. Serena Williams entered the final as a three-time former champion, while Australia's Sam Stosur played the role of the challenger aiming for her first Grand Slam title.

Stosur was not concerned by the difference in experience as she used a heavy kick serve and powerful forehand to take control of the first set. Williams misfired on her groundstrokes and the Australian led the set 3-1.

The American usually delivers the best serve in the women's game, but managed a mere 35 percent success rate on first serves in the opening set. Stosur attacked Serena's shots and broke serve twice. She won the first set 6-2, and was poised for an upset victory.

Australian tennis player Samantha Stosur returns a shot to US player Serena Williams
during their Women's US Open 2011 finals at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis
Center in New York. Stosur won the first set of the US Open women's final against
Serena 6-2 on Sunday

Now, the decisive moment in the match, Williams faced a break point in the second set. She yelled "come on" while firing a forehand w! inner. B ut the umpire stepped in and ruled Serena's emphatic call came before the ball reached Stosur's racquet. The point and the game went to the Australian. Williams could not believe the turn of events, and stared down the umpire amid a raucous response from the New York City crowd.

Williams had to use a second serve while facing Stosur's third championship point. Stosur's crosscourt forehand delivered the knockout punch...and she beats the odds to capture the U-S Open crown. Stosur breaks through for her maiden Grand Slam title.

Samantha Stosur of Australia reacts after defeating Serena Williams of the United
States to win the Women's Singles Final on Day Fourteen of the 2011 US Open at the
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. Stosur won 6-2, 6-3

Samantha Stosur said, "Well, I mean, Ifelt like I was definitely the underdog going into it, so maybe that kind of made me a little more relaxed going into this match than especially my last Grand Slam final. I think I was able to draw on a lot of that experience from the French Open. You know, I had to believe I had a chance to win. I think obviously having two victories over her in the past definitely helped me feel that it was possible."

Serena Williams said, "To even have a chance to play for the US Open I would have never thought I would have had that chance, you know, seven weeks ago, I mean during Wimbledon or whatever, you know, let alone six months ago. I just would have never thought that that opportunity would have been available. So I can't be too upset at myself. I think I'm excited that I'm healthy and alive! and sti ll, you know, competing with the best."

Samantha Stosur of Australia is congratulated by Serena Williams of the U.S. (L) after
Stosur won the final of the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 11,
2011. REUTERS/Mike Segar

Editor:Zou Xian |Source: CNTV.CN