Australian Open: Angelique Kerber halts Serena’s run

Angelique Kerber upset Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to win the Australian Open title on Saturday, ending the six-time champion’s unbeaten streak in finals here and winning a major title for the first time.

Serena WilliamsStarting the match as a rank outsider, the seventh seed was in crushing form throughout her first Grand Slam final, extending the rallies, forcing Williams to the net and showing no sign of nerves as she denied the world No. 1 a record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam win.

Less than two weeks later, the German produced the tournament of her life, culminating in a Grand Slam championship over arguably the greatest player ever in women’s tennis, Serena Williams.

“I was match point down in the first match and I had one leg on the plane back to Germany”.

With her 6-4 3-6 6-4 triumph, Kerber becomes just the fourth player to defeat the great Serena Williams in a final at a major after Venus Williams (twice), Maria Sharapova and Sam Stosur. “I worked for this my whole life”, said the German. “What’s after two is one, so I guess I better be careful”, laughed Williams after the match. “You truly deserve it”. I was trying to believe much more in myself.

One of those messages was from Graf, but she had not been able to read it.

With the breakthrough Grand Slam win, Kerber will move to No. 2 in the world when revised rankings are released next week.

In the late match at Rod Laver Arena, Jamie Murray, men’s single finalist Andy’s elder brother, won his first men’s doubles title with Bruno Soares after they beat Daniel Nestor and Radek Stepanek 2-6 6-4 7-5.

“She played so well today and had an attitude a lot of people can learn from – to stay positive and never give up”, Williams said.

For now, Steffi Graf’s total of 22 Grand Slams remains the benchmark in women’s tennis.

Williams’ tilt at another title was ultimately undone by 46 unforced errors to Kerber’s 13.

But the German attacked her opponent’s serve once again and clinched the title when the top seed sent a volley long.

Williams opened the match positively enough with a love service hold.

And, while unaware of Williams’ fine record in three-set grand slam finals, she was confident of her own ability to go the distance in her first.

As Greg Baum wrote in the Sydney Morning Herald, Kerber’s victory seemed unlikely even as she was pressing Williams to the edge.

She concluded, “You truly played so well in the moment”.

For the second time in as many majors, though, she fell short. “I have so many emotions, so many thoughts, but all of them good ones”.

Williams had a chance to level but dropped her serve, too. “I really hope you enjoy this moment”. “I got a second chance and I’m so honoured”, she said. 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.