Serena Williams defeated Jelena Janković in the final, 6–4, 7–5 to win the women's singles tennis title at the 2008 US Open. It was her third US Open singles title and ninth major singles title overall. This was also her second US Open and third major overall won without losing a set during the tournament. With the win, she regained the world No. 1 singles ranking for the first time since 2003. Three of the top four seeds were in contention for the No. 1 ranking at the start of the tournament.
Justine Henin was the reigning champion, but retired from the sport in May 2008.
Julie Coin, ranked as the world No. 188, defeated the world No. 1 Ana Ivanovic in the second round, making her the lowest-ranked player ever to defeat a world No. 1.[citation needed]