Dream came true for Kerber

It was doubly sweet for Kerber as she also became No 1 after the win. 

“It’s just amazing,” a beaming Kerber, told an adoring crowd after being handed the winner’s cheque of $3.5 million. “I won my second Grand Slam in one year. That’s the best of my career. Actually just incredible.” 

The champion said she had been dreaming to be the number one player in the world and winning Grand Slams. “Today is the day I won my second grand slam here, especially in New York. I’m the number one player on Monday. All the dreams came true this year.” 

“It’s always tough to play against her,” said Kerber. “I was trying to stay in the moment, be aggressive, I was just trying to enjoy the final. It’s an amazing stadium. 

Pliskova said: “I found out I can play my best tennis on the big stages. She proved she’s the world number one. I knew it was going to be difficult, but I found myself some power in the second set.” 

“You know, it’s never easy for the player who is attacking and is doing more mistakes,” Pliskova said.

The Czech player could become a constant threat to other top women, said Mary Jo Fernandez, a former world number four and a well known tennis commentator. 

“She’s really grown as a player,“ Fernandez said. “I don’t think Serena’s going anywhere but it gets more difficult as the younger players come up.”