Angelique Kerber defeats Karolina Pliskova in three sets to win the US Open

Angelique Kerber has won the US Open in New York City, beating Karolina Pliskova in three sets (6-3 4-6 6-4) to claim the final Grand Slam title of 2016. The 28-year-old German added the US crown to the Australian Open title she won earlier this year by coming through an engrossing match that lasted more than three hours.

Kerber appeared on her way to a one-sided win at Flushing Meadows after she easily took the first set. But her Czech opponent came roaring back into the contest in the second, taking it 6-4.

Pliskova, 24, began the third and final set in similarly impressive fashion and seemed to be on the verge of winning the first Grand Slam title of her career. However, Kerber showed the spirit of a champion to claim the title.

She broke Pliskova's serve in the final game of the match and collapsed to the floor when Pliskova sent the ball wide. "It means a lot to me," she subsequently said, according to the BBC.

"When I was a kid I was always dreaming to be the number one player in the world and to win Grand Slams and today's the day. All my dreams came true today and I'm just trying to enjoy the moment."

Holding back tears as she spoke, Kerber added: "It's incredible. I'm standing here with a second Grand Slam trophy and it means so much to me."