Germany's Angelique Kerber caused an upset at the Australian Open tennis tournament when she stunned world number one Serena Williams to win the women's final two sets to one.
Six times a champion in Melbourne, Serena Williams went into the match a firm favourite and on course to make history.After more than two hours of play, the German seventh seed shocked the all conquering American with a dramatic three set victory (6-4 3-6 6-4).
The three-set boilover was not only Williams' first defeat in seven title matches at Melbourne Park, but also denied the American a place alongside Graf as the most successful women's player in almost half a century of professional tennis.
A jubilant Kerber collapsed onto the court following the triumph.
Speaking shortly after, the 28-year-old couldn't hide her disbelief.
"I had a crazy two weeks with the first round but I was match point down and then with the win over Azarenka in the quarters, I never beat her. And now to play against Serena, what was an honour to play against her in a Grand Slam final, it was my first Grand Slam final.
"I was looking forward to it and was excited and I knew that I beat her once in Cincinnati and I really must go out there to try to beat her again because she will not give it to me it was a really good great measure for both of I think. Really, it is a special moment for me."
Kerber says she went into the match with nothing to lose.
"I think I had less pressure than her maybe but I had nothing to lose but still I had to lose the match and I knew that I must play the best tennis against her. I was going out there to try to show, really, that I can play and I can beat her. I was trying to enjoy every second.
"I enjoyed when I stepped on court, the whole two hours, the crowd was so amazing so really, it was one of my biggest measures for matches that I have played in my career. "
Reflecting on the match, Williams conceded the German deserved to win.
"She played so well. She had an attitude that I think a lot of people can learn from: just to always always stay positive and to never give up. I was really inspired by that. So honestly she's a really good girl. If I couldn't win, I'm happy she did."
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Williams salutes Open queen Kerber
Her loss in this year's final has denied the American a place alongside Graf as the most successful women's player in almost half a century of professional tennis.
Williams says she felt the pressure going into the match.
"Everyone expects me to win every single match, every single day of my life. As much as I would like to be a robot, I'm not. And I try to. But you know, I do the best that I can. I try to win every single time I step out there, every single point. But realistically I can't do it, maybe someone else can."
In addition to the Australian Open title, Angelique Kerber also walks away with nearly four million dollars in prize money and moves up to number two in the world rankings.
- with AAP
