The gold medal already belonged to the Netherlands, but it was Jiske Griffioen whose name will be attached to it after she defeated compatriot Aniek van Koot 3-6 6-1 6-4 and was named the Rio 2016 Paralympic women's singles champion.

The 31-year-old improved on her bronze from four years ago and will now add gold to her collection of Grand Slam accolades.

However, the result could have been so different after van Koot took the first set following a nervous start from Griffioen. The 26-year-old went 3-0 up and even though Griffioen fought back van Koot regained control and won the first set 6-3 in 42 minutes.

Griffioen was not going to let the match get away from her as she broke van Koot's serve in the opening game of the second set before racing to a 4-0 lead. Van Koot got a game on the board but couldn't match her opponent's aggressive play, losing the second set 6-1 in just 25 minutes; a completely different showing from the opening set.

In the decider Griffioen once again shot to a 4-0 lead but van Koot would not be beaten, beginning to play more aggressively as her opponent struggled with her nerves. She won the next four games to keep herself in contention, although it was short-lived as the world No. 1 regained her composure and wrapped up the gold medal with her second match point.

"It's relief because I was up 5-1 and then you really don't want to screw it up and it's happiness because this was my dream," said Griffioen. "It came true in an amazing stadium with a really fantastic crowd.

"She really did earn it, all credit to her. She played well and she played consistently. I wasn't good enough, but tonight I'll be very pleased with this silver medal," admitted van Koot.

"If you would've asked me at the beginning of the year, I would never have dreamt of it or even dared to dream of it (claiming a silver medal)," she added.

The gold medal caps off a brilliant two years for Griffioen, who has won four singles Grand Slams, plus two doubles Slams alongside van Koot. She also has the chance to add another gold to her collection when she and van Koot contest the women's doubles final on Friday.

"It's a perfect story. It feels unreal now because I've been working for it for so long and to final have it (the gold medal) around your neck it feels like I'm dreaming."