Serena Williams was crowned US Open champion for a third time last night when she put on a gutsy display to deny Jelena Jankovic 6-4 7-5 in just over 2 hours of brutal hitting and high drama, and in the process regain the world No.1 ranking she held for 57 consecutive weeks until August 2003.

Serena dug deep to win the coveted title she had won previously in 1999 and 2002, coming back from 3-5 and 0-40 to prevent the match going into a third and final set which would have favoured the fitter and more fleet of foot counterpunching Serb, who must rue the nervy double faults that hindered her, most notably at game point to force the tie-breaker.

"I'm so excited", Williams exclaimed. "I wasn't even going for No.1, it's just a bonus."

Serena went on to reveal a little sisterly assistance from the vanquished Venus who "gave me some game plans for the last two matches".

Serena now holds a total of 9 Grand Slams (3 Australian, 1 French, 2 Wimbledon and 3 US), while Venus holds a total of 7 (5 Wimbledon and 2 US).

A deflated Jankovic who was desperate to force her tenacious but wilting opponent into a final set, must now wait until next year to see if she too can join the roll of honour as a Grand Slam champion.

"I was proud to be in the final, but obviously disappointed that I lost", she admitted.

Andre Jones