American Serena Williams defeated second seed Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 in the women's US Open final on Sunday for her ninth career Grand Slam title and the world number one ranking.

There was plenty at stake as fourth-seeded Williams received the WTA top ranking, a spot she previously held for 57 weeks beginning in 2002.

"I am so excited," Williams said. "I wasn't even going for number one. It is just an added bonus."

Williams, playing in her first US Open final in six years, also picked up $1.5 million in first-place prize money and moved into third on the all-time money list.