Kerber Stuns Williams for Australian Open Win

Angelique Kerber of Germany (R) holds the winner’s trophy during the awards ceremony following her victory over Serena Williams of the USA (L) in their women’s singles final match on day 13 of the 2016 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 30, 2016.

Competing against No. 7 seed Angelique Kerber, the American is vying for her seventh Australian Open title, which will extend her lead as the player to hold the most championships in Melbourne across both the men’s and women’s singles division in the Open era.

Playing in her first Grand Slam final, Kerber, the No. 7 seed, played a smart match and didn’t look intimidated.

Kerber, who saved a match point in the first round against Misaki Doi, became the first woman to save a match point during the tournament before going on to win the title since Williams did it in 2003 in her semi-final against Kim Clijsters.

“My whole life I was working really hard and now I’m here and I can say I’m a Grand Slam champion, so it sounds really insane”, she said, choking back tears.

“That’s how I am, a little bit insane, you know”, she said “I really know and I have confidence when I play my dropshots”.

Other challengers will draw hope that they, too, might share in the grand slam spoils as the 34-year-old icon edges closer to retirement.

“Steffi, write me please”, Kerber said jokingly in an on-court interview after advancing to the first Grand Slam final of her career.

Williams did her best to commit tennis suicide, making a staggering 46 unforced errors as Kerber dominated with awesome power and precision.

“I think her movement is something that is really good for her”, Williams added.

Williams was not at her best.

“I’m really fast. But I just wasn’t able to read that one in time”. “She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from, just to always stay positive and to never give up”, Williams told reporters. “I take my chance to be here in the final and play against Serena”. Her win sparked celebrations in Germany, with a host of stars offering congratulations including Manchester United’s Bastian Schweinsteiger and Formula One driver Nico Rosberg.

Kerber stained Williams’ clean sheet at this tournament, breaking her twice to snatch the first set. She took it into a deciding third set having made only five errors, in stark contrast to her wayward first set.

Kerber simply refused to be overawed by her opponent’s power or reputation on Rod Laver Arena, returning like a demon through some lengthy rallies even when the point appeared to be lost.

“She taught me actually that I’m on a good way, and try to believe in myself”.

The loss means Williams still needs one more Grand Slam to tie Stefi Graff’s record 22.

Kerber will now be ranked no. 2 on the WTA rankings.

It was just a temporary moment of jubilation as Williams quickly broke back.

Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares have won the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open, beating the oldest team to reach a Grand Slam final in the Open era, Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek.