Angelique Kerber into final of the us open 2016. The Best moments

After Serena’s stunning loss, on this versticky, oppressive night, much of the air had gone out of Arthur Ashe Stadium by the time Kerber and Wozniacki began their encounter. 

But Kerber, this year’s Australian Open champion, won eight of the first nine points and raced to a 4-0 lead in the first set, playing very much like the new world No. 1. Playing a complete, and confident, match, Kerber cruised into the final, 6-4, 6-3.

“It’s just incredible. It’s a great day,” said Kerber. “To be No. 1 in the world, it sounds amazing.”

Both players are technically counterpunches, but Kerber plays much more aggressively and has more stick on her shots. Wozniacki tried throwing the kitchen sink at her German opponent – tossing up moonballs, slices and mixing in a few net approaches – but Kerber effectively countered all those moves and pushed the Dane around the court with ease.

Late in the first set, Wozniacki finally began to connect with firm, down-the-line backhands, and though she closed the gap to 5-4, that was as close as she’d get in the match.

Kerber only faltered when serving for the match at 5-2 in the second set. Wozniacki broke at love, though Kerber immediately broke back to win and advance to her third major final of the year, following a victory at the Australian Open and a runner-up showing at Wimbledon.

Kerber admitted to watching some of the Williams – Pliskova match. “I was trying not to focus on that match,” she said. “Just focus on my own.”