Serena Williams wins historic Australian Open title after beating sister Venus in Melbourne final
Younger sibling prevails 6-4, 6-4 at Melbourne Park to claim Open-era-record 23rd grand slam title on Saturday
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Serena Williams rewrote history on Saturday to surpass Steffi Graf and capture a record 23rd grand slam title as well as the world number one ranking by beating her sister Venus in the Australian Open final.
The dominant American swept past her greatest rival 6-4, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena for her seventh Melbourne Park crown to finally clinch the record for Open-era major titles, nearly 18 years after winning her first.
The 35-year-old, who equalled Graf’s mark of 22 at Wimbledon last year, now stands just one behind the all-time 24 won by Margaret Court, who was in the president’s box to witness Williams’ feat.
Her astonishing achievement also means she again becomes the world’s top-ranked player, ending the brief stay of Angelique Kerber who knocked Williams off the top after three-and-half years in September last year.
SHE’S DONE IT! No. 23@serenawilliams is your #AusOpen 2017 women’s singles champion. pic.twitter.com/LC6fpWi3Ik— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017
“This was a tough one – I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus,” Serena said.
“She’s an amazing person. There’s no way I’d be at 23 without her. She’s my inspiration and the only reason I’m standing here today. Thanks for inspiring me to be the best player I can be.
“She deserves a round of applause – she’s made an amazing comeback.”
Serena Williams powers towards grand slam record after racing into Australian Open quarter-finals
Fittingly, her sister and closest confidante Venus was on the other side of the net to share the moment, another chapter written in their long rivalry.
It was Venus – still a teenager with beads in her hair – who knocked Serena out in round two on her grand slam debut in Melbourne 19 years ago, and they have since played nine major finals together, living each other’s highs and lows.
“Thank you Venus for inspiring me to be the best player that I can be.” Well done @serenawilliams on your 23rd Grand Slam title #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/LPtr9G52B0— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017
At 36 and seeded 13, Venus had turned back the clock to make her first grand slam title match since Wimbledon in 2009, but adding to her seven major successes was not to be.
Showing the single-mindedness that has propelled her to greatness, a focused second seeded Serena overcame a scratchy and nervous start in which all four opening games were breaks and when she smashed a racquet in frustration.
But she soon settled to get a decisive break to go 4-3 in front with an unstoppable backhand, and served out the set with an ace.
Serena was fired up and after the first two games of the second set went to serve, she worked three break points in the third only for her sister to negotiate her way out of trouble with some big forehand winners.
Venus Williams stands between Serena Williams and grand slam history in Australian Open final
The tense battle went with serve to 3-3 before Serena cranked up the pressure to break with a scintillating crosscourt backhand and take a 4-3 lead.
With history beckoning, she wasn’t about to throw it away and she served out the match, falling to the floor in celebration before a long embrace with Venus to share the biggest moment of her career.
Additional reporting by Associated Press
