By Erik Gudris | Saturday, January 31, 2015
Serena Williams withstood Maria Sharapova to win her sixth Australian Open and 19th Grand Slam singles title.
Photo Credit: Corleve
World No. 1 Serena Williams withstood a stern challenge from Maria Sharapova to win her sixth Australian Open title in Saturday's women's final.
Despite Williams holding an extended winning streak over her opponent since 2004, Sharapova took the fight to the top seed.
Williams, after a brief rain delay interrupted play during the first set, would take control by taking a 4-2 lead. Though she dropped serving for the set, Williams broke Sharapova to take the set 6-3.
The second set felt like might be a runaway for Williams who threatened Sharapova's serve. Yet Sharapova stood her ground. Sharapova saved one match point to soon level the set at 5-all. The set then entered a tiebreak.
Williams took hold of an early lead but Sharapova looked on the verge of leveling things thanks to errors from Williams. Yet Williams would find herself with another match point after striking a powerful forehand Sharapova couldn't handle.
Williams, serving for the title, fired down an ace only to hear a let called. She composed herself and soon delivered another ace, her 18th of the match, to seal the 6-3, 7-6(5) victory.
Williams now has won 19 Grand Slam singles title placing her in sole third place in terms of all-time women's major champions.
A complete recap will follow soon.