Serena Williams wins her sixth Australian Open title

Serena Williams won her sixth Australian Open singles crown, beating Maria Sharapova for her 19th Grand Slam title.  The world No.1 overwhelmed Maria Sharapova 6-3 7-6(5) in a finals match that was all it was built up to be.  Sharapova did all she could to resist Williams surge in the second set, saving a match point at 4-5 and another in the tiebreak with some fearless attacking play, but was ultimately overwhelmed by the Wiliiams superior serve and defensive acumen when it mattered.

At 33 years, 127 days, Williams is now the oldest Australian Open champion of the Open era, not to mention the most decorated.  Williams now ranks ahead of Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert in the pantheon of Grand Slam champions in the Open era. Only Steffi Graf, with 22, sits above her.  “Standing here with 19 majors is something I never thought would happen,” Williams said during the trophy ceremony. “I went on the court with a ball, a racquet and a hope.