News Digest

Game, set, match: Serena Williams wins 19th grand slam title

Serena Williams gave a gallant Maria Sharapova another serving of grand slam heartbreak to win the Australian Open on Saturday and bolster her claims to be the all-time greatest player with her 19th major title. The win puts Williams in a tie with fellow American Helen Wills Moody for third on the all-time best list. Williams beat Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6 (5) Saturday. Only Australia’s Margaret Court (24 titles) and Germany’s Steffi Graf (22) have more grand slam singles titles than the 33-year-old American. Williams has not lost to Sharapova since the 2004 WTA Finals, a run of 15 successive victories. Williams, who was battling a cold and cough throughout the tournament, did not concede a point on serve until her third game of the second set while Sharapova struggled and was fighting to stay in the match.

Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen. I went on the courts with a ball and racquet and hope, and that’s all I had.

Serena Williams after her win over Maria Sharapova Saturday