Serena Williams is the most prolific grand slam winner of the open era after claiming her 23rd major singles title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory against her sister Venus here in Melbourne on Saturday. The all-Williams final — the first at the Australian Open since Serena won the first edition of the family rivalry here in 2003 — went to the younger sibling 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday night. By defeating her sister Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4 in the Australian Open final Saturday, Serena Williams won her 23rd major title, breaking the record she had shared with Steffi Graf. The victory at Rod Laver Arena also ensured Serena Williams will regain the top ranking, which she lost in September after 186 straight weeks when Angelique Kerber won the U.S. Open. There’s no way I’d be at one.”

Venus Williams made her deepest run in a Slam draw since the 2009 Wimbledon final, when she also lost to Serena. “They also relate to the person also who didn’t win because we all have those moments in our life.”

But now, Serena Williams is Australian Open champion again, and her sister did indeed experience that difficult moment she had forewarned. Thank you Venus for inspiring me to be the best player I could be.”

This was Venus Williams’ 15th Grand Slam final — she’s won seven in her career, but has lost both Australian Open finals she’s played. “He’s the greatest.”

Tennis icon Billie Jean King also sent a pair of tweets Saturday morning to honor the Williams sisters. I’m enormously proud of you.”

Serena continues her record as the oldest women’s champion at a major in the Open Era — she also held that record when she won the 2016 Wimbledon title at 34 years and 287 days old. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “Getting to 23 here, but playing Venus, it’s the stuff that legends are made of.
Serena Williams defeats her sister Venus Williams 6-4, 6-4 to win the women's singles and an Open era-record 23rd Grand Slam singles title.