Serena Williams won her 23rd Grand Slam title with a 6-4, 6-4 win over sister Venus Williams at the Australian Open, earning an Open Era record in tennis. At Melbourne, Australia. At the Rod Laver Arena.
Serena had her game face on throughout, but the sisters exchanged an extended hug after Serena converted on her first match point in one hour, 22 minutes.
The Williams sisters were facing off in the 28th match of their storied rivalry, and their ninth Grand Slam final, but the first since 2009.
Now she only trails all-time leader Margaret Court by one major. Serena Williams, 35 years old, is looking good to achieve that feat later in 2017."It's never enough, 23, 24, 25," Serena told the crowd after her win. "I felt like I really elevated my game this year."
As a considerable bonus, Serena also regained the No. 1 WTA ranking from Angelique Kerber.
The American Serena Williams, 35 years old, had equaled Stefanie Graf's record with her 2016 Wimbledon triumph. The German's original 22-slam mark had stood since the 1999 French Open.
Serena now has seven Australian Open titles, making it her joint-most successful Grand Slam alongside Wimbledon. She has also won six US Open titles and four at Roland Garros in her extraordinary career.
Without doubt the Williams sisters are the winners of tennis world.
They have inspired the world. Looking back their Newsweek pictures of 1996, and their father's belief in his daughters, one can only say"they have done alot for tennis. They have broken many barriers as their father said at that time " my daughters will be world champions in years to come".
They gone beyond champions. Congratulations both of you sisters.
Tennis world will miss you as years dictate your staying power.