German Angelique Kerber tonight won the Australian Open with a three-set victory over world number one Serena Williams.
A packed Melbourne Centre Court saw Kerber comprehensively outplay Williams in the third set, denying her the 22nd Slam title that would match the career total of Kerber’s idol, Steffi Graf.
Kerber was dominant in the first set, winning 6-4, but Williams rallied in the second, showing the tenacity that has kept her at No 1 for so long, to take the set 6-3. But Kerber swiftly re-asserted her dominance in the third, claiming the set, and her first Slam victory, 6-4.
The pressure she put Williams under was reflected in the American’s error count – an uncharacteristic 46, including 23 unforced errors, against Kerber’s three.
Kerber started the match as the world’s 6th ranked woman singles player. By the end she had moved to Number 2, serving notice on Williams, and the world, that 2016 could be a tougher proposition than expected.
It was a hard-fought match and a great spectacle for the crowd, running for more than two hours. Williams was extremely gracious in defeat despite her own disappointment, generously praising her opponent at the presentation and apparently delighting in the joy Kerber displayed.
Comments from both players showed the respect they have for each other.
Serena: "Congratulations Angie, you were the best player this tournament. I really hope you enjoy this moment. You truly deserve it"
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2016
Kerber: "Serena, you are an inspiration for so many people. An unbelievably great person. Congrats for everything you have done already"
— Australian Open (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2016
Williams has now lost only five of her 26 Slam finals. – Jesse Mullens
Photo of Angelique Kerber from the Australian Open’s Twitter feed.
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I am the sports editor for the Macleay Newsroom. I enjoy cooking and watching sport intently.
