BEVERLY HILLS, January 31, (THEWILL) – Angelique Kerber defeated world number one Serena Williams to win her first ever Grand Slam on Saturday at the Australian Open.
Seventh seed Kerber, won in a thrilling 6-4 3-6 6-4 final at Melbourne Park to become the first German woman to win the grand slam in 22 years, the last being Steffi Graf at the 1994 Fench Open.
“I had goosebumps. My whole life I’ve worked hard to say ‘I am a Grand Slam champion’. It’s crazy,” she said.
“Tonight really is a dream come true, I’m a grand slam champion, I beat Serena in the final.”
Williams was gracious in defeat, telling Kerber: “Angie, congratulations. You deserve this and I’m so happy for you. I really hope you enjoy this moment.”
Kerber is now seeded number two in the women’s tennis rankings, while Serena retains her top spot.
In the same vein, Novak Djokovic has defeated Andy Murray to clinch his sixth Australian Open title and his 11th Grand Slam in a thrilling 6-1, 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) final to equal Australia’s Roy Emerson’s record of six Australian Open.
“Tough final, tough luck, Andy you are a great champion and friend. I’m sure you’ll have more opportunities to fight for this trophy,” Djokovic said.
“Thank you to my team. A Grand Slam is unique, we all breathe as one, we live each hour with a purpose.”
Murray, 28, has now lost all five Australian Open finals he has played, four of them against Djokovic.
Story by David Oputah
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