Serena wins 5th Australian Open, ties Billie Jean King in 6th place in overall standings.
Serena Williams is the champion of Australia for the fifth time. On Saturday, January 30 she won the Australian Open in two hours, seven minutes, beating Justine Henin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams also won their fourth Australian Open women's doubles title, beating Cara Black and Liezel Huber 6-4, 6-3. It was the 11th time the Williams sisters have combined for a Grand Slam doubles title
Serena has never lost a final at the Australian Open, and this victory means that she has won more Australian championships in the Open era (since 1968) than any other woman. It also marks the first time she has defended a Grand Slam crown.
“It was definitely a tough match mentally and physically,” Serena said of her single match in the finals.
“I felt like we both were out there trying to kind of prove something. I think we both did at the end of the day."
In a tightly fought battle Serena had to constantly dig deep to come up with some amazing returns to keep the Belgian at bay. Serena had a service break in the second set but Henin rallied back and ended up winning the set. Serena again had a service break in the third set but again Henin came back.
However Serena, who hit 12 aces for a tournament total of 65, broke Justine Heninonce more and this time she kept the pressure on. She held serve in the fifth game and then started to nail the lid shut by breaking serve again before serving out the championship and hitting a blistering backhand winner on her second match point.
Serena's racquet fell from her hand and she dropped to the court lying on her back looking skyward through the open roof, taking in the cheering and applause her amazing achievement. Then she picked herself up and shook hands and congratulated Henin for a great effort.
Serena's face was beaming as she raised her arms like a prize fighter and crossed the court to the box where her family and friends were seated. Her mother Oracene was first to extend a hug, and then the others followed with sister Venus among the group.
Serena is the first woman to successfully defend the title since Jennifer Capriati in 2002. The victory is Serena's 12th career Grand Slam crown, which places her in sixth place with Billie Jean King in the overall standings.
“I feel really special that I was able to tie Billie Jean King, because in my heart of hearts, I've been going for it and I haven't been able to quite achieve it,” Serena said.
The list is led by another great, Margaret Court of Australia, who was honored at this Australian Open on the 40th Anniversary of winning the calendar year Grand Slam.
The trophy was presented to Serena by Margaret herself, and Serena said she was indeed honoured to meet the great lady.
Serena Williams is the champion of Australia for the fifth time. On Saturday, January 30 she won the Australian Open in two hours, seven minutes, beating Justine Henin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams also won their fourth Australian Open women's doubles title, beating Cara Black and Liezel Huber 6-4, 6-3. It was the 11th time the Williams sisters have combined for a Grand Slam doubles title
Serena has never lost a final at the Australian Open, and this victory means that she has won more Australian championships in the Open era (since 1968) than any other woman. It also marks the first time she has defended a Grand Slam crown.
“It was definitely a tough match mentally and physically,” Serena said of her single match in the finals.
“I felt like we both were out there trying to kind of prove something. I think we both did at the end of the day."
In a tightly fought battle Serena had to constantly dig deep to come up with some amazing returns to keep the Belgian at bay. Serena had a service break in the second set but Henin rallied back and ended up winning the set. Serena again had a service break in the third set but again Henin came back.
However Serena, who hit 12 aces for a tournament total of 65, broke Justine Heninonce more and this time she kept the pressure on. She held serve in the fifth game and then started to nail the lid shut by breaking serve again before serving out the championship and hitting a blistering backhand winner on her second match point.
Serena's racquet fell from her hand and she dropped to the court lying on her back looking skyward through the open roof, taking in the cheering and applause her amazing achievement. Then she picked herself up and shook hands and congratulated Henin for a great effort.
Serena's face was beaming as she raised her arms like a prize fighter and crossed the court to the box where her family and friends were seated. Her mother Oracene was first to extend a hug, and then the others followed with sister Venus among the group.
Serena is the first woman to successfully defend the title since Jennifer Capriati in 2002. The victory is Serena's 12th career Grand Slam crown, which places her in sixth place with Billie Jean King in the overall standings.
“I feel really special that I was able to tie Billie Jean King, because in my heart of hearts, I've been going for it and I haven't been able to quite achieve it,” Serena said.
The list is led by another great, Margaret Court of Australia, who was honored at this Australian Open on the 40th Anniversary of winning the calendar year Grand Slam.
The trophy was presented to Serena by Margaret herself, and Serena said she was indeed honoured to meet the great lady.
0 comments:
Post a Comment