She beat Jelena Jankovic 6-4, 7-5 Sunday night in one of the most exciting Open Finals in years. It was her third Open win. After the win she jumped up and down to the delight of all the fans and ultimately into the arms of her father.

The final was a contrast in style. Power vs. finesse and power won. Williams was as excited after the match as she ever has been. She has not been No. 1 since August of 2003.

The Jankovic match rivaled Serena's Wednesday night win over Venus for drama. The women's final had never been played on a Sunday night. It was played then due to the rain at the U.S. Tennis Center, the time of the original match.

There was hardly an empty seat and that is more than can be said for the Roger Federer win over Andy Murray for the men's title Monday afternoon.

The men's game right now is more exciting than the women's game top to bottom, but the women have a resurgent Williams' sisters to look forward to in 2009. Serena actually announced that she will be playing some events in Asia in the fall which has virtually never happened.

In March of 2009, New Yorkers will get another treat as the four Grand Slam winners from 2008 will play in the Billie Jean King Cup at Madison Square Garden.

That would include Venus and Serena and perhaps by then one of them will have another Slam title in the Australian which takes place in January. Sure, Maria Sharapova will be back in 2009, but with Justine Henin gone the stage belongs to the Williams sisters.

Look for them also to team up again in doubles next year.

After all they did win the doubles in the Olympics this year.