Serena delighted with US Open victory

SERENA WILLIAMS hurled her racket skyward and bounded up and down in joy after winning her third US Open title with a 6-4, 7-5 victory over Jelena Jankovic of Serbia.

"I'm so excited," the 26-year-old said in a courtside interview before the trophy presentation. The triumph also assured the American of reclaiming the No.1 ranking for the first time in five years.

"I wasn't even going for number one and it's just like an added bonus," said Williams, who last won the US Open in 2002.

"It is that special because I've been working so hard," added the American, who collected a $1.5 million prize. "I have to thank my parents, my mom for being so supportive and of course my dad for being there always.

"I love my family, and of course Venus," she said of her older sister, who she defeated in the quarter-finals. "She's given me some game plans for my last two matches. It really helped me get through."

Jankovic, playing in her first grand slam final, said: "I was proud to be in the finals but I'm always disappointed when I lose.

"Serena was a better player. Congratulations to her."