(CNN) -
Australia's Samantha Stosur produced one of the biggest shocks in U.S. Open final history, beating Serena Williams in straight sets at Flushing Meadows to secure her first grand slam success.
Williams, bidding for her fourth U.S. Open crown, had gone into the match as hot favorite despite a troubled year blighted by injury and serious illness.
But Stosur never allowed the American, who was cheered on by a patriotic New York crowd on the 10th anniversary of 9/11, to settle -- claiming a spectacular 6-2 6-3 triumph in 73 minutes as Williams lost her cool following a contentious umpiring decision.
"I had one of my best days and I'm very fortunate that I had it on this stage in New York," Stosur said after the match.
"Ever since I started playing it was a dream of mine to be here one day, and now my dream has come true."
Stosur, whose run to the final included a marathon third-round victory over Nadia Petrova that lasted a tournament record three hours and 16 minutes, continued: "Serena, you are a fantastic player, great champion and have done wonders for our sport.
"Thanks to everyone back home for supporting me. All my friends, family and everyone else, thanks so much for supporting me. I look forward to coming back home."
Although she was only seeded 28th, Williams came into the tournament bang in form after winning two warm-up events -- including victory over Stosur in the final of the Rogers Cup in Toronto.
And the American was mightily impressive in dismantling world number one Caroline Wozniacki in the semifinals, while ninth seed Stosur struggled to beat unseeded German Angelique Kerber in three sets in the other semi.
With emotions high among New Yorkers, on a poignant day for the city, a Williams win looked set to provide the United States with a fitting end to a difficult occasion.
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