Aussie win just the start for German

Angelique Kerber: As the No. 7 seed, Kerber stunned the tennis world by defeating both pre-tournament favorites in Victoria Azarenka and World No. 1 Serena Williams to capture her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

The upset by Kerber – who now climbs to second in the world – denied Williams the chance to pull level with Graf at 22 Grand Slam singles titles, a record in the Open era.

“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 knew that I must play the best tennis against her tonight”.

Heading into the Australian Open, the big question was whether anyone could beat Williams, the defending champion going for her seventh win at Melbourne Park.

Germany’s sports stars, including footballers Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski and Formula One driver Nico Rosberg, have sent messages of congratulations and Kerber said her phone had been running hot.

The seventh seed would to pressure the champion into 20 unforced errors in the opener, and combined with blistering winners like that, Kerber claims the first set 6-4.

Kerber became the second German woman in the Open Era to win a major, after Steffi Graf, who won 22 majors in her legendary career.

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.

And when Williams missed those first serves, Kerber made her pay, winning 58 percent of points on William’s second serve.

But it was Kerber who grabbed a decisive break in the third set as she reeled off a brilliant passing shot on her way to a 2-0 lead.

The German went 5-2 up, but was broken as she served for victory as Williams closed within 5-4.

However, Serena recalled a match against Kerber nearly two years ago in which the German shocked the world No. 1 in Cincinnati.

“I thought she played unbelievable in that match. I had goose bumps here on the centre court when I was playing”, Kerber said after the final.

“It was fascinating to see how unflinchingly, and with such strong nerves, you prevailed against arguably the best player in the world”.

“She will go out there to win her next Grand Slam”.

“The feeling I have I think it’s more proud, proud about my team, my family, my friends”, Kerber said. “I take my chance to be here in the final and play against Serena”.

At stake for Williams is more than just another Grand Slam title for her collection. “I am really looking forward to getting home”, she said.

“My whole life I’ve worked really hard and now I’m here and I can say I’m a Grand Slam champion and it sounds really insane and unbelievable”.

But after her loss to Angelique Kerber, Serena might tone down her affection towards her coach, in case criticisms start firing.

“I just remember her serving really well, her moving well, her being determined to win that”.