Serena Williams has become the most decorated female grand slam champion in the Open Era after defeating sister Venus 6-4, 6-4, in a nerve-stricken Australian Open final.
Embarking upon her 29th meeting on the tour against Venus, first in a grand slam final since Wimbledon 2009, Serena knew a win would once again elevate her back to the top of the world rankings.
The significance of the final was one that took its toll on both players during the early stages of the match. At the age of 34 Serena was bidding to become the most decorated female grand slam champion in the Open Era and second to win 23 major titles after Margaret Court. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Venus had already rewritten the history books by becoming the oldest Australian Open finalist in the Open Era as she attempted to win her first major title since the 2008 Wimbledon Championships.
With so much at stake for both players, the first set featured a lacklustre displayed. Serena’s power and tenacity of her shots was tamed by some impressive shot-making from Venus. Four breaks of service marred the start of the match as nerves became a prominent feature with 30 unforced errors (15 each) throughout the set. Eventually Serena found that form which has elevated her to the top of the women’s game in recent years as she fired a double handed backhand to break for a 4-3 lead. That break proved to be a pivotal one as the second seed finally consolidated her lead in the following game. The match favourite was back on track as she secured the 6-4 lead with the help of back-to-back aces.
Serena’s surge seemed to have taken its toll on Venus as she raced to three break points in the third game of the second set. The momentum was then halted by a gutsy and inspiration fight back from the 36-year-old. Displaying her best defensive play and intensifying her aggressiveness, Venus clinched five straight points to level 2-2, triggering a loud roar of the crowd inside the Rod Laver Arena.
The spirited performance from the 13th seed failed to shadow the aggressive and quicker play of her sister. Venus’ second serve was obliterated by Serena as she hit a backhand cross court return to take the second set break to close in on the title.
It was visible that a Venus’ ongoing arm injury was beginning to hinder her performance, but still she continued to battle. The valiant efforts was not enough to disrupt the inevitability of Serena’s milestone win. Serving for her 23rd major title, an error from her opponent handed Serena championship point. The title was then sealed when a forehand deep towards the baseline, prompted Venus to return the ball out.
Inspiration dominants trophy ceremony
“Thank you for all the love, thank you.” @Venuseswilliams thank you for a fantastic #AusOpen 2017 pic.twitter.com/D95TfYweSL
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) 28 January 2017
Lifting the Melbourne trophy inside a packed Rod Laver Arena, the mood of the crowd swiftly turned from excitement to admiration. This year’s marked the 19th anniversary of the first time Serena and Venus played each other on the tour at the Australian Open. Following her triumph, Serena admitted that she ‘wouldn’t be where she is’ if it wasn’t for her elder sister.
“She’s an amazing person.” Said Serena of Venus. “There’s no way I would be at 23 (Grand slam titles) without her. There’s no way I would be at one without her. There’s no way I would have anything without her. She is my inspiration. She’s the only reason I’m here today and the only reason the Williams sisters exist.”
“Thank-you Venus for inspiring me.”
The touching tribute was matched by a similar one from Venus, who will rise back up the rankings to 11th place following her run at the Australian Open.
“Serena Williams – that’s my little sister guys” Venus said with pride.
“ I have been right there with you, so of them I lost against you. It’s been an awesome thing, your win is my win.”
“I’m enormously proud of you, you mean the world to me.“
Returning to the top of the world rankings after three months, Williams is now two major titles away from becoming the most successful female grand slam player in the history of tennis.
