Serena Williams acquires record 23rd major in win against Venus Williams!
By Bryanda
Serena Williams has again made history in her 7th Australian Open Title win against older sister Venus Williams! In the 6-4, 6-4 final win she obtained her 23rd grand slam title, surpassing Steffi Graf, who formerly shared her record in the Open Era lead.
Emotions flare in every match for Serena: on Saturday she was seen smashing her racket with frustration after both falling on the baseline and serving, “three tentative double-faults in a span of four points.” — ESPN. Still, nothing came between her accomplishing her goal and obtaining the championship, making history.
“My first Grand Slam started here, and getting to 23 here, but playing Venus, it’s stuff that legends are made of. I couldn’t have written a better story.” — Serena Williams.
Venus Williams is a seven-time Grand Slam champion (five in Wimbledon and two in US Open) and was last seen in the final of the Australian Open in 2003. “Serena Williams… that’s my little sister guys. Congratulations, Serena, on No. 23. I have been right there with you. Your win has always been my win. I think you know that I’m enormously proud of you. You mean the world to me.”
This victory catapults Serena to the world No. 1 Rank, securing the placement from Angelique Kerber (eliminated during the fourth round in Melbourne). She’s also the oldest Open Era Slam winner, at 35 years, 124 days and counting.
Serena has obtained three titles in the French Open, seven titles in Wimbledon, and six titles in the US Open! Now with 23 titles, she’s closer in ranks to the Grand Slam championship all-time leader, Margaret Court, who leads with 24 titles (Open and amateur eras). Margaret was also present at Rod Laver arena, gracing the sisters with her applause.
In an interview with ESPN, the legendary tennis player was presented with a pair of customized sneakers from another legendary #23, NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan! “One shoe was red and Black — the Chicago Bulls’ colors — and the other was a more Serena-esque pink.”
“Thank you, Michael. I can’t believe I’m saying thank you Michael Jordan. He’s the greatest,” Serena says during the interview.
Still, Serena praises Venus for their legacy (their first match in Melbourne was 19 years ago, where Venus won), “She’s the only reason the Williams sisters exist, inspiring me to be the best player I can be.”
