PhotoThe line can be so fine, even with all the work Angelique Kerber has done on herself and her game. 1 in the world this week for the first time, Kerber will ascend to the top spot as a first-time United States Open champion as well. The most recent previous example: Flavia Pennetta, who won her first major singles title at the United States Open last year at 33. She is the first German woman to win the United States Open since Steffi Graf, Kerber’s childhood idol and occasional mentor, in 1996. In the end, Kerber won it with great defense, tracking down Pliskova’s big power in the corners.

Source: New York Times September 10, 2016 22:30 UTC