ASSERTING DOMINANCE: Serena had not lost to Sharapova since the 2004 WTA Finals, and was not about to let the Russian end the 15-successive-victories streak yesterday. PHOTO: AFP
MELBOURNE: Top seed Serena Williams fought off a barking cough to clinch her 19th Grand Slam singles title with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) victory over Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final on Saturday.
Serena's sixth title at Melbourne Park moved her into a tie with fellow American Helen Wills Moody in third on the all-time list after she joined Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert on 18 at last year's US Open.
"Growing up, I wasn't the richest, but I had a rich family in spirit and support," said Serena at the trophy presentation. "Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen.
"I went on the courts with a ball, a racquet and hope and that's all I had. I'm so honoured to be here tonight and to hold this 19th trophy."
The tone of the match was set in the first game when Serena broke the Russian's serve. Even though rain forced them off court for 12 minutes as officials closed the roof in the sixth game, the American was not bothered by the disruption as she reeled off the next six points to establish a 5-2 lead after they returned.
Serena sealed the first set when she broke Sharapova for the third time and then continued her momentum in the second with a powerful service game while she put pressure on the Russian's serve.
Sharapova battled to stay in the match and did have chances to break, but Serena simply reached back and smashed down a succession of massive serves to get out of trouble. She sealed victory in the tiebreak on her third match point when she powered down her 18th ace and then celebrated at the net after shaking hands with the Russian.
"I've got to congratulate Serena on creating history and on playing some of her best tennis," said Sharapova. "I haven't beaten her in a really long time, but I love every time that I step on the court to play against her because she's been the best and, as a tennis player, you want to play against the best."
Murray out to end Djokovic’s dominance
Andy Murray will bid to end a tormenting run of three losing Australian Open finals as world number one Novak Djokovic eyes a fifth triumph in today's decider in Melbourne.
The year's first major has been a heartbreak Grand Slam for the Scot, but he has given himself another chance to finally break through and add to his Wimbledon and US Open crowns.
Djokovic has beaten Murray in two of his three Australian losses in 2011 and 2013, but the feisty Scot has mastered the Serb in his two major triumphs at the 2012 US Open and 2013 Wimbledon.
"I know it's going to be extremely difficult to win the match,” said Murray. “He [Djokovic] has a fantastic record here. It would be a big upset if I manage to win tomorrow [Sunday]."
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