US Open: Serena Williams thrilled with 17th grand slam success

Serena Williams admitted she was "honoured" to draw level with Roger Federer with 17 grand slam titles.

The 31-year-old registered a 7-5 6-7 (8-6) 6-1 victory over Victoria Azarenka in the final of the US Open on Sunday.

Williams, who also won the French Open title this year, is now just one grand slam success behind Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova.

"It's an honour to be even with Roger," said Williams.

US Open Ladies' Singles final: Serena Williams v Victoria Azarenka

World number one Serena Williams is gunning for a 17th Grand Slam title when she takes on Victoria Azarenka in the US Open final in Flushing Meadows on Sunday.

Williams is seeking back-to-back titles in New York in a repeat of last year's final which she won in three sets against Belarusian Azarenka.

After titles in 1999, 2002, 2008 and last year the American is seeking her fifth US Open crown. She has lost two finals, in 2001 to sister Venus and the 2011 final to Australia's Samantha Stosur.

US Open: Victoria Azarenka ends run of Flavia Pennetta in semi-finals in New York

Victoria Azarenka is through to her second successive US Open final after a see-saw 6-4 6-2 victory over Flavia Pennetta at Flushing Meadows.

The second seed put an end to the fairytale run in New York for the unseeded Italian with a straight sets triumph after one hour and 34 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I am so excited to be back in the final and get the chance to fight for the trophy."

However, the final scoreline did not do justice to how hard Pennetta - who knocked out three seeds to make the last four of a grand slam for the first time - made the 2012 runner-up work to reach Sunday's showpiece.

US Open: Serena Williams beats Li Na to face Victoria Azarenka in final

Serena Williams powered her way into a seventh US Open final with a 6-0 6-3 victory over Li Na at Flushing Meadows to set-up a rematch with Victoria Azarenka.

Williams broke Li five times, and she was dominant on her own serve winning 76 percent of points on first serve and being broken just the once.

The defending champion and World No 1 breezed through the opening set against a nervous looking Li, taking her tally of consecutive games won at the US Open to a remarkable 24.