In a historic all-Williams Australian Open final, Serena beat her sister Venus to win a record 23rd Grand Slam title in the Open Era, surpassing Steffi Graf’s 22.
The first set opened with four straight breaks, which included Serena’s brilliant opening game on Venus’ serve, as well as the younger sister’s probably the worst service game ever in the fourth game. In the seventh game, the second-seeded Serena recorded another break, but this time she held on to it and won the set 6-4 in 41 minutes. Knowing that Serena had never lost a Grand Slam final after winning the first set made Venus’ chances grim.
The second set started with six holds and a crucial break again happened in the seventh game with favorite Serena taking charge and never looking back, earning the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup on her first match point, 6-4 6-4. The triumph brings Serena back to number one position in the WTA rankings.
En route to her seventh Australian Open title Serena defeated Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic in the first round, Czech Lucie Safarova in the second, American Nicole Gibbs in the third, Czech seed No.16 Barbora Strycova in the fourth, ninth seeded Brit Johanna Konta in the quarterfinals, Croatia’s Mirjana Lucic-Baroni in the semifinals, and finally the 13th-seeded sister Venus, whom she had also defeated in the 2003 Australian Open final.
Serena’s winning apparel is the Nike Spring Premier Power Dress, which I presented in more detail here, while Venus sported her best collection ever, the EleVen Thika Glide Back Tank and EleVen Thika Flutter Skirt.
Congrats, Serena Williams, the GOAT, Open era record holder, World’s #1! Congrats, Venus Williams, living legend! Congrats, Mr. & Mrs. Williams, the parents of these two amazing ladies, and Mr. Williams in particular for that prophetic word he spoke over both his daughters; you’re a genius, man! No one compares to these two ladies, I mean no one! Simply amazing!
Serena was a little nervous at first, but in usual style she finished strong. Congratulations to her for #23…look for her to pass Margaret Court soon. Well played, Venus on a fantastic tournament.
Great match and congratulations to both women. I hope Serena get a career grand slam this year. I hope Venus get to another grand slam final and win.
This woman (Serena Williams, the GOAT) just won her 23rd major, is back to #1 in the world, broke the open era record, etc., and only 3 comments in this conversation. You’ve got to be kidding me! Unbelievable, to say the least. Again, congrats, Serena! You’re simply amazing! Now, come on Nadal. It’s your turn to shine: #NADAL2017MENSAUSSIEOPENCHAMP
Serena loved every single minute of that win. For me, both are really deserving to win but I would have loved Venus to win another slam. She was really the crowd favorite and she had one of the most memorable Cinderella run in the history of Australian Open. The Australian Open this year is superb with both Legends playing for Men’s and Women’s Singles title. 60 grand slams combined!