After setting the stage with an impressive show and fighter-jet flyover, it was time for the finalists to take to the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Angelique Kerber walked out with the knowledge that when the new rankings came out on Monday, she’d be the new WTA World No.1.

But she had some business to take care of first, in the form of No.10 seed Karolina Pliskova.

Kerber was in search of a second Grand Slam title, after claiming the Australian Open and reaching the Wimbledon final earlier this year.

But Pliskova was on an 11-match winning streak, including wins over Serena Williams and Venus Williams earlier in the Open.

Kerber took the lead in the first set…

…But Pliskova roared back in the second.

Pliskova led by a break in the third set, but the World No.1 fought it off and secured a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 victory.

Kerber collapsed to the ground in elation, becoming the first German since Steffi Graf to win the US Open title.

After a show of good sportsmanship at the net…

…Kerber ran into the stands to celebrate with her team, including her coach Torben Beltz.

Pliskova had previously won against Kerber in the Cincinnati final, but couldn’t do it again at the US Open.

The finalists were presented with their trophies…

And Kerber’s childhood dream of winning the US Open trophy came true.

It was a great performance from Pliskova, who’d previously never been past the third round of a Slam.

And it was a great fortnight for the new World No.1, who’s getting used to posing with trophies at the end of Grand Slams.

Congratulations Angelique Kerber on a second Grand Slam title!