Williams rallied from the depth of the third set as she denied Victoria Azarenka as the top seeded served for victory and a second career Grand Slam title leading 5-4.

Instead of the accepting what looked to be the obvious scenario, Williams rewrote the script, seizing the trophy in the end for her 15th singles title at a major - with her victories spaced a record 13 years apart.

"Three decades.  The '90s (1999), 2000s (2002) and 2010s, that's kinda cool," said the 30-year-old who will take a rest with only two more event scheduled after a torrid summer of winning performances. "I just think that it's exciting to have this opportunity.  And 13 years is a long time between the first and the last.  It's just a great."   

Williams dominated the summer grass and hard-court campaign after a disheartening first-round exit at the French Open to Virginie Razzano.

The American who keeps a flat in Paris redoubled her efforts and a month later ran off with the Wimbledon singles and doubles titles, followed by gold medals at the London Olympics in singles and in doubles with sister Venus. She then completed a matched trophy set with another Open triumph.

"I came in knowing it was going to be a long summer, but I knew that I could do well if I just put my mind to it," said the winner of 53 matches this season. "I knew that I could just be a good player and a champion this summer. 

"I never expected to win all these titles. The highlight has just been so amazing.  Everything has been so amazing, so it's just been fabulous.