A return to the winner's circle at Flushing Meadows has Serena Williams back on top of the world rankings.

Just a day after claiming her third US Open title, Williams became the new world number one in the WTA Tour rankings, which were released on Monday.

The American replaces Serbian Ana Ivanovic, grabbing the top ranking for the first time since she began a 57-week reign back on July 8, 2002.

"Serena is one of the all time great champions in the history of our sport, and regaining the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour No. 1 ranking is another milestone in a career full of great moments," said Larry Scott, CEO of the WTA Tour.

Williams, 26, was one of five players entering the year's final Grand Slam with a chance to overtake Ivanovic, including Dinara Safina and Jelena Jankovic. Serena beat both players from the semi-finals on en route to her first US Open title since 2002.

Williams is the fifth player to be ranked number one this season, including the retired Justine Henin, Maria Sharapova and Jankovic.