Serena Williams beat Maria Sharapova for the sixteenth consecutive match to win the trophy in Melbourne for the sixth time. The world number one overcame illness during the match to win her nineteenth grand slam title, leaving her just 3 away from Steffi Graf's record. The American served outstandingly well to win in a high quality final, 6-3 7-6 (7-5), despite a spirited comeback from Sharapova in the second set.
With Williams serving at 3-2 30-30 in the first set, the drizzle that had threatened before the match turned into heavier rain and play was suspended whilst the roof was put in place. It then became obvious that Williams wasn't well, the illness that had been affecting her all week forcing her into coughing fits. In the press conference later she revealed that she "ended up throwing up". Going on to say "I think that helped when I got everything out of me and cleared my chest out because I couldn't breathe a little bit." Despite this, Serena managed to hit 18 aces in an amazing serving display to win in 1 hour and 51 minutes.
The match exceeded the expectations of many who feared Williams would win comfortably, given the pairs head-to-head record. Sharapova seemed to be thinking about those previous loses early in the match, as she double faulted to be broken in the first game. Serena was taking advantage of any second serves she faced and didn't seem too affected by the 12-minute rain delay and illness as she returned to take the first set in 47 minutes.
Looking at another one-side defeat, Sharapova faced early break points in the second set before showing the form that has taken her to five previous Grand Slams. After serving her way out of trouble, she then looked to be making headway on the Williams serve. But at 0-30 Serena came up with 3 aces and a service winner in the next four points to hold. Next service game, Williams was called for hinderance as she shouted "Come On" before the point had finished. A couple of years ago, this would have distracted the multiple major winner, but now-a-days she seems much calmer on court and even had a bit of fun as she mouthed "Calm Down" to herself after hitting a winner on the next point.
Sharapova kept fighting and managed to save one match point on the way to levelling the set at 5-5 and another in the tie-break behind a brave second serve. But Williams took the opportunity with her third championship point and, after an ace out wide to Sharapova's backhand was called a let, she hit the same spot again to complete the win.
In her post match speech Sharapova had admiration for her long time rival, "I've not beaten her for a long time, but I love every time I play her as she is the best and you want to play against the best". Williams returned the compliments saying, "I have to congratulate Maria. She gave us a great final, not only for you guys but for women’s tennis. I’m really honoured I got to play you in the final."
Serena Williams' 19 Grand Slam Titles:
Australian Open (6) - 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015
French Open (2) - 2002, 2013
Wimbledon (5) - 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012
US Open (6) - 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014
Australian Open (6) - 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015
French Open (2) - 2002, 2013
Wimbledon (5) - 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012
US Open (6) - 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014
Serena Williams speech after winning. [From the Australian Open YouTube channel] | Maria Sharapova's runner-up speech. [From the Australian Open YouTube channel] |