DHAKA: After a year of doubt, Serena Williams proved that she is back and as strong as ever.

The world number one blew Caroline Wozniacki away in the final of the US Open, beating the Danish former number one 6-3, 6,3.

Almost as soon as Billie Jean King had officiated the coin toss, the match was never in doubt as Williams overpowered Wozniacki. The Dane, in her second grand slam final, just had no answers to Williams' power and her serve.

At one point early in the second set Williams had hit 22 winners. Wozniacki had hit just one, reports CNN.

Sweet eighteen

The victory secured Williams' 18th career grand slam singles title, taking her level with Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Williams is now just four behind Steffi Graf, who holds the all time record with 22 career grand slam single titles in the open era.

Yet the thought of Serena adding to her 17 titles seemed slim earlier this year.

She had not made the quarter finals at any grand slam this season. Her retirement from Wimbledon during a doubles match added to the sense of crisis.

But Williams is judged differently to other players. She's still the world's number one player and has been in imperious form during the past fortnight. Williams didn't even drop a set during the tournament.

BDST: 0817 HRS, SEP 08, 2014