Williams welcomed back, beats Sharapova in Australia
Making a spectacular comeback, after spending most of the last year off courts owing to injuries, Serena Williams overpowered top-seeded Maria Sharapova to clinch her third Australian Open title and an eighth Grand Slam title in all. She became the second unseeded women's champion at a Grand Slam since 1968.
Dropping down to 81 in the WTA rankings before entering the tournament, Williams dominated the final match and took the first five games before completing a 6-1, 6-2 victory at Melbourne Park. Ending a series of 14 tournaments without a title Williams proved that she still has what it takes to beat the best. The well earned victory was dedicated to her sister Yetunde Price, who was shot to death in September 2003.
“On the scoreboard it looked easy but I was fighting for every point,” Williams said. “It was an awesome win.”
Anybody who saw the match could not agree less. The 25-year-old American gave no chance to her Russian opponent from the very beginning as she sailed on to the splendid victory. 19-year-old Sharapova looked like a teenager who felt helpless against an eminent player.
“You can never underestimate her as an opponent, and I don’t think many of you expected her to be in the final, but I definitely did,” Sharapova said in her remarks to the crowd in Rod Laver Arena. “I know what she’s capable of. She showed it today. She’s an amazing champion, and she showed it here many times, and of course I look forward to playing her many more times, and winning a few I hope.”
During the match Williams showed no vague hints of vulnerability while crushing returns and first serves. She fired 7 aces two of which came in the final game to earn her a triple match point. It took a backhand winner from the American to close the 1hr 3 min long match.
Williams had earlier won the Australian Open in 2003 and 2005 but this victory was more special as it was a little unexpected and ended a draught of titles to the former champion. Finishing up one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of the game, Williams will regain a high WTA rank on Monday. Kudos to the great player!
