Serena Williams wins record 23rd major by beating sister Venus at Australian Open
Serena Williams—Grand Slam champion and now ranked No. 1 in the world—beat her 36-year-old comeback sister Venus in Saturday’s Australian Open final.
Williams won 6-4, 6-4 in a match that had a bunch of stellar serves, aggressive misses and mind-boggling winners.
The 35-year-old is now the most prolific women’s major singles champion of the open era and sits behind only Australia’s Margaret Court (24) on the all-time list.
“It’s such a great feeling to have 23. It really feels great,” Serena said.
With her record seventh Australian title, the 35-year-old Williams moved ahead of Steffi Graf for the most major titles in the Open era. Margaret Court won 24 majors, but collected 13 of those before the Open era.
The victory at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne also ensured Serena Williams will regain the top ranking, which she lost in September after 186 straight weeks when Angelique Kerber won the U.S. Open last year.
After the match, Venus walked over to Serena’s side of the net and the sisters hugged.
“This was a tough one—I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus,” Serena Williams said. “She’s an amazing person. There’s no way I’d be at 23 without her. She’s my inspiration and the only reason I’m standing here today. Thanks for inspiring me to be the best player I can be.”
#GOAT @serenawilliams @AustralianOpen pic.twitter.com/0PlQw2AidC
— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) January 28, 2017
History made once again! What an inspiration those two are!!! Hats off! @serenawilliams @Venuseswilliams #whatisage pic.twitter.com/mNQzpywTx8
— Sabine Lisicki (@sabinelisicki) January 28, 2017
