Russia's Maria Sharapova (L) and Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne hold their trophies after the women's final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 9, 2006.(Xinhua Photo)

Russian Maria Sharapova won her first U.S. Open title as she beat former champion Justine Henin- Hardenne in Saturday's final of the U.S. Open women's singles tennis.

Sharapova's big serve and powerful forehand were too much for her rival. The 19-year-old Russian star was always in command of the 90-minute match.

Third-seeded Sharapova ousted second-seeded Henin-Hardenne 6-4, 6-4 in the 1 hour and 30 minutes clash and took her second Grand Slam victory. she captured the title of the Wimbledon in 2004.

After her straight sets win, a joyful Sharapova told the crowd she was so happy to be in front of tennis fans in New York, "my favourite city in the world."

"This is an amazing honor," she said.

On Friday, third seed Sharapova upset world number one Amelie Mauresmo in the semifinals.

Henin-Hardenne, the five-time Grand Slam champion including her 2003 U.S. Open title, appeared in her fourth Grand Slam final of this season. The Belgian star was 5-4 in her career Grand Slam finals, including 1-3 this year.

Editor: Donald