Canberra, Sep 12 (IANS): Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard Monday congratulated tennis player Samantha Stosur for claiming the women's crown at the US Open.

The 27-year-old Stosur became the first Australian female to win a Grand Slam in 31 years, when she defeated three-time champion Serena Williams 6-2 6-3 in one hour and 13 minutes in front of 23,000 people on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The previous female Australian winner of the U.S. Open was Margaret Court in 1973.

In a joint statement with Sports Minister Mark Arbib, Gillard said Stosur displayed great skill and poise to overcome obvious nerves to beat the crowd favorite, Xinhua reported.

"She has shown great determination and skill to win the U.S. Open and everyone involved with tennis in Australia will be celebrating with her today," she said in a statement released Monday.

Gillard said Stosur's win would encourage the next generation of Australian tennis players.

"Her win will encourage the next generation of young Australian players to take to the court," she said.

"This is a great achievement and shows the future of Australian tennis is on the rise following other Grand Slam successes earlier this year, with Ashleigh Barty and Luke Saville winning the junior titles at Wimbledon."