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03/28/2024 10:29:26 pm

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Serena Williams Humbles Maria Sharapova to Win Australian Open; Eyes Steffi Graf’s 22 Grand Slams

Serena Williams

(Photo : Reuters)

World number one Serena Williams was writing history Saturday in Melbourne, Australia. The American slugger proved she's far better than the popular Maria Sharapova by pocketing the 2015 Australian Open - her sixth. 

It was not an easy game for Williams. She vomited midway through the game, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, but came back with a blazing-hot racket to finish off the match. The final score: 6-3, 7-6.

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And more numbers are working in favour of Williams. The latest win padded up her 19 grand slam majors. She also is the oldest to play in the Aussie tourney finals at 33 though her age will likely not prevent a really good shot at the record books - tying or even surpassing the great Steffi Graf.

Graf boasted of 22 major title triumphs upon retirement, which Williams could equal this year by fashioning out a tennis grand slam - bagging the French Open, the Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Then she can best the German tennis legend by repeating in Melbourne in early 2016.

The USA Today is optimistic that Williams will deliver and get past Graf soon enough. Williams doesn't mind the pressure but noted that she has to focus first on grand slam number 20, to come perhaps in the next few months, then one major at a time.

Rivalry with Sharapova

The year started right for Williams if indeed her path for greatness is the general theme for 2015. Her long-running tiff with Sharapova is proving a lopsided narrative, tilting of course in her favour, the New York Times said.

While hardly a pushover in the highly competitive women's tennis circuit, she after all enjoys the distinction of winning all four grand slams, Sharapova appears to become the perennial runner up when playing against Williams.

The match history between the two speaks of volume. Out of the 19 duels that they fought over, Williams emerged as the winner 17 times.

For her part, Sharapova seems enjoying the role of a gracious loser, saying that "I haven't beaten her in a really long time," the New York Times said.

Losing is no big deal for Sharapova when facing the best in the game, adding "I love every time I step on the court to play against (Williams) because she's been the best, and as a tennis player you want to play the best."

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