US Open: Kerber relishes trophy, world No. 1 title

Kerber wiped tears of joy before accepting a winner’s check for US$3.5 million and a gleaming silver trophy after rallying to beat Karolina Pliskova in a display worthy of the new world No. 1 player in women’s tennis.

The 28-year-old German finished last year ranked 10th in the world and turned dreams into a reality this year after rededicating herself. “I was really trying to improve a lot of things,” she explained following her 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 triumph after falling a break down in the third set.

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“First of all, my fitness and then to being more aggressive and go for it when I have the chance. Not just hitting the balls over the net.

“And also, mentally, to being more positive, a little bit more stronger, and just focusing on the moment I am on court.”

Left-hander Kerber used to get down on herself when mistakes piled up. It showed in her body language and in her results.

“I was always dreaming to being No. 1 and to be in the grand slams,” she said.

“Now to see that the work pays off, this is actually the best feeling.”

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