world No 1 with a gritty victory over Karolina Pliskova for her second
Grand Slam title of the year.
Germany's Kerber, the second seed, rallied from a break down in the
third set to beat the hard-hitting 10th-seeded Czech 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
She added the US Open crown to the Australian Open title she claimed
in January, breaking Pliskova at love to cap the triumph.
"Amazing to win a second Grand Slam in one year," Kerber said. "It's
the best year of my career.
"It all started for me here in New York five years ago when I reached
the semifinals and now I am here with the trophy," she added. "It's
incredible."
The 28-year-old, who beat Serena Williams in the final at Melbourne
and lost to the US great in the Wimbledon final, will officially rise
to world No 1 on Monday.