Stephens beats Keys to win US Open title

Sloane Stephens of the United States celebrates after defeating her compatriot Madison Keys during the women's singles final match at the 2017 US Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 9, 2017. Sloane Stephens won 2-0 to claim the title. [Photo: Xinhua/Qin Lang]

American Sloane Stephens has defeated compatriot and close friend Madison Keys 6-3, 6-0 to win the US Open women's singles title. 

Keys and Stephens had only met once before on court, with the latter winning their match at the 2015 Miami Masters in straight sets. 

And it was also the first time either player had advanced past the fourth round at Flushing Meadows.

The 24-year-old Stephens had total control over the final, breaking twice in the opening set to draw the first blood and then won the second at love. 

"I had surgery January 23 and if someone told me then that I would win the U.S. Open - it's impossible, I would say. It's absolutely impossible and my journey to get here, coming back, just being able to keep it together and have such a great team behind me. This journey has been incredible and I honestly wouldn't change it for the world."

Sloane Stephens (R) and Madison Keys of the United States pose for a photo during awarding ceremony after their women's singles final match at the 2017 US Open in New York, the United States, Sept. 9, 2017. Madison Keys lost 0-2. [Photo: Xinhua/Qin Lang]

Stephens, who will move to 17th in the world rankings on Monday, won the last eight games of the match, with Keys putting up a brief late fight by saving two match points in the final game. 

Stephens just needed one hour or so to take the victory. 

Meanwhile, top seeds Jamie Murray and Martina Hingis won their second successive Grand Slam mixed doubles title with a 6-1, 4-6, 10-8 victory over Michael Venus and Chan Hao-Ching in the final.

Murray and Hingis already won Wimbledon in July while Saturday's triumph took their record as a team to a perfect 10-0. 

In the just concluded men’s final of the US Open, World No. 1 Rafael Nadal of Spain beat Kevin Anderson of South Africa 6-3/6-3/6-4.

It’s Nadal’s third US Open title and his second grand slam title this season.