Angelique Kerber wins the Women’s US Open Championship by beating Karolina Pliskova

The 28-year-old German, Angelique 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. she became the first German to win the US Open in 20 years.

“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.”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.”