Simply magnificent, magnificently simple
Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets at the Australian Open, in Melbourne, to confirm her dominance in the women’s game.
Williams had simply too much power and precision for the Russian as she took the contest 6-3, 7-6 to claim Grand Slam win number 19. The feat is all the more remarkable as she has been in 23 finals [and 83% win rate].
The victory sees her surpass Martina Navratilova and Billie Jean King for Grand Slam titles. She is still five short of Margaret Court [22] while Steffi Graf is on 22.
Sharapova gave up her serve in the first game of the day and was left playing catch-up for a rain interrupted first set. Williams closed it out with a number of crisps winners but was drawn into a second set scrap.
Sharapova saved match point, on her serve, in the 10th game of the set, held out and then dragged her opponent to deuce in the next game. Williams survived but could not prevent a second set tie-break.
At 5-4 (to Williams) in the tie-break, the American unleashed an audacious forehand winner to give herself two match points. Sharapova saved the first but could not prevent the second. Williams, the champion, let rip with a series of whoops, hollers and hugs.
