New world number one Angelique Kerber celebrated her new world ranking by winning the US Open title after overcoming Karolina Pliskova in New York on Saturday night.

The German moved to the top of the world rankings earlier this week, following Serena Williams’ exit in the semi-finals.

Kerber lifted her second Grand Slam of the season but she was made to work very hard by Pliskova in what was her third major final of the year.

Pliskova, who had never been past the third round in a Grand Slam, struggled to get going and made 17 unforced errors in the first set alone as Kerber claimed it 6-3.

However, Kerber was forced into a third set by her rival at the Arthur Ashe Stadium as Pliskova tried to pull off yet another shock in the final Grand Slam of the year.

The Czech hit 17 winners to take the second and then sailed into a 3-1 lead in the decider before the nerves kicked in.

In the end she crumbled under pressure and Kerber claimed the 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory to seal a perfect season.

Speaking after her win, the 28-year-old German admitted she was elated to win another Slam but she was quick to look back on her first positive memory from Flushing Meadows.

“Amazing to win a second Grand Slam in one year,” Kerber told reporters.

“It’s the best year of my career. “It all started for me here in New York five years ago when I reached the semi-finals and now I am here with the trophy. It’s incredible.”