Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber began her reign as world No.1 by battling past a determined Karolina Pliskova 6-3 4-6 6-4 to win the US Open final on Saturday.
Kerber, who officially takes over from Serena Williams as the world's top ranked player on Monday, won five of the last six games - after trailing 3-1 in the third set - to overpower the 10th-seeded Czech in a gripping decider at Flushing Meadows in New York.
The 28-year-old German began the grand slam year beating Serena Williams to lift the Australian Open title and celebrated again on Saturday when she became the first German to win the US Open in 20 years.
Second seed Kerber fell onto her back when a wilting Pliskova hit a forehand into the net to end two hours and seven minutes of compelling high-quality tennis.
"It's just amazing," a beaming Kerber, told an adoring crowd after being handed the winner's cheque of $US3.5 million ($A4.58 million).
"I won my second grand slam in one year. That's the best of my career.
"Actually just incredible.
"When I was a kid I was always dreaming to be the number one player in the world and win grand slams and 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."
Kerber admires compatriot Steffi Graf, but is blazing her own trail.
Comparisons, though, are inevitable after Kerber became the first German to win the US Open since Graf claimed the last of her five Flushing Meadows crowns in 1996.
"She was always my idol and I told her so many times," said Kerber, adding that Graf had sent her a text wishing her luck. "For me it's really important to go on my own way."
Pliskova, who arrived at Flushing Meadows with the reputation of grand slam under-achiever having never before been beyond the third round of the major, shed that label by making it all the way to the final and taking on back-to-back world No.1s.
After beating top ranked Serena Williams in the semi-finals to end the American's record-equalling 186 consecutive weeks stay at the top of the rankings, the big-hitting Pliskova, who has led the WTA Tour in aces the last two season, attacked in the final but could not break down the tireless German's defence.
"You cannot compare those two (Serena Williams and Kerber)," explained Pliskova. "The game is totally different. The persons as well. Serena is going for every shot.
"With Angie, you cannot wait for mistakes. She doesn't give you anything. I have to be the one who is aggressive.
"I beat very good players. It was always my goal to pass the third round and I made it to the final."
