Serena Williams won the 19th Grand Slam title of a glittering career after beating Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6 in the women’s singles final of the Australian Open in Melbourne on Saturday. In the form of her life, few would bet against Williams overhauling the record total of 22 singles titles held by Germany’s Steffi Graf.



"Growing up, I wasn't the richest, but I had a rich family in spirit and support," Williams said at the trophy presentation. "Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen."



In a battle of the top two seeds, Sharapova just could not handle the favorite’s serve in the first set, struggling even to hold her own.Williams broke early in the match and again at 4-2 after a rain delay appeared to upset the Russian’s rhythm - she lost her next service game to love.



Sharapova stole the next game to go to close the gap, but Williams broke back immediately to close out the first set 6-3 in 47 minutes.

Williams too hot for Sharapova



In the second set Sharapova wasted two line call reviews before finding her fight, threatening the Williams serve for the first time in the seventh game, forcing a break point that she could not convert.





Sharapova has now lost her last 16 matches against Williams in a winless run dating back to 2005

Despite heavy pressure from Williams, Sharapova held her serve and even survived a match point against it at 4-5. The Russian refused to roll over, hitting a forehand winner down the line to move back to deuce. Williams then put into the net from close range with the court wide open and Sharapova won the game.



With both players then holding serve, the second set went to a tie-break. Sharapova again showed her mettle, hitting an unstoppable forehand to her opponent’s left down 6-4 and facing championship point in the tie-break. Williams dropped her racquet in despair after a net call on her ace on the next point but it proved short relief for Sharapova, as the American then smashed her 18th ace of the match to win the tie-break (7-5) and the title.



Jumping around the court at the Rod Laver Arena, Williams' relief was clear to see as she celebrated her first title in Melbourne since 2010.