It’s 19 and counting for Queen Serena

Serena Williams claimed her 19th Grand Slam title and sixth Australian Open title as she beat Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) in Melbourne. This was her sixth win in six finals at the Australian Open.

It was a monumental Grand Slam victory as it moved her into third place, past two greats in woman’s tennis, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert for major singles titles.

After the win I tweeted “Sharapove must hate Serena” as it was now the 16th time in a row Williams has beaten her, dating back to 2004. You could really see the pain on the Russian’s face after the defeat and you had to feel for her.

The final itself was thoroughly entertaining, often having you on the edge of your seat with several impressive rallies.

After a nervous start by Sharapova, who double faulted and dropped her serve in the first game. She valiantly thought back, especially in the second set to really stretch Serena.

Williams, who was reported to be feeling unwell, took advantage of a rain delay in the first set to apparently go and be sick. This did not seem to affect her game that much as she was in scintillating form, serving 18 aces and hitting 38 winners.

I believe if it was against anyone else in that final, Sharapova would have won. But she was up against a real power house in Serena, who lost only 2 from the 16 sets she contested in Australia.

Sharapova more than gave Serena her fair share of problems though. Especially on Serena’s second serve where she struggled with Sharapova’s forehand returns. It took Sharavpova all the way to a tie break in the second set but Serena’s combination of power, athleticism and ability won her the title.

The end was as dramatic as the actual match. Serena served what she thought was an ace to win her the title, she dropped her racket to begin celebrating but umpire shouted “let” to the crowd’s despair.

Serena composed herself, lifted her racket one more time and delivered her 18th ace of the match to emphatically claim her sixth Australian Open title and 19th singles Grand Slam title.

This victory now moves Serena to within three of the great Seffi Graph’s 22 major singles title. At one stage that was a feat way in the distance, now it is in sight. Although it still is a long shot, if you remember how dominant Graff was in her day, just to get in touching distance at 33 is a phenomenal feat for Serena.

I’m sure she will have her eye on trying to at least equal it but it certainly wont be easy. It takes so much out of a player just to win one Grand Slam. At 33 she’s not getting any younger, so 2015 will be an important year in the pursuit of Steffi Graph’s record.

She has the French Open next, which is her least favourite tournament as she has only won it twice (2002, 2013).

Then Wimbledon, where the last of her five wins was in 2012. The last major of the year is the US Open where she is the six-time winner and current champion.

Make no mistake, it will be really hard to eek out three Grand Slam wins at the age of 33 and counting. Even though I’m sure it is driving Serena on and motivating her to continue, it’s still a massive feat to get to. But this is what makes phenomenal athletes phenomenal and if anyone can, Serena Williams can. Go SERENA!