Serena focused on grand slam title, not top billing

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

NEW YORK (Reuters) - While the top ranking will be on the line when Serena Williams meets Serb Jelena Jankovic in the U.S. Open women's final, the American has her sights squarely set on clinching a ninth grand slam crown.

Twice champion at Flushing Meadows, Williams will be bidding for her first title here since 2002, and her first major since last year's Australian Open when the rescheduled women's final takes place on Sunday.

"Number one is not my goal right now," the muscular 26-year-old told reporters.

"I know I'll get that eventually if I continue to play the tournaments. I just want to be able to win the grand slams, and play and stay healthy. I think the ranking will definitely come."

The women's final, initially scheduled for Saturday, was postponed to Sunday evening after the remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna washed out most of the day's play.

Fourth seed Williams, however, was unperturbed about the weather delays.

"I'm ready to play tomorrow," she said, after reaching the final on Friday after sweeping aside Russian Dinara Safina 6-3 6-2. "I'll be ready for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, doesn't matter."

Jankovic, 23, reached her first grand slam final with a 6-4 6-4 win over Russian Elena Dementieva and accepts she will need to be at her best against Williams.