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It's 23 for Serena

Published:Saturday | January 28, 2017 | 7:05 PM
AP
Serena Williams (right) and her sister, Venus holding their trophies after Serena won the women's singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships yesterday.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP):

Serena Williams held up a Grand Slam winner's trophy for the 23rd time, celebrating her unrivalled place in history, and received a congratulatory letter and a pair of custom-made shoes from Michael Jordan, the name most synonymous with No. 23.

Venus Williams got to watch from close range again, and shed tears, more of joy than regret, after being beaten in a major final for the seventh time by her record-breaking younger sister.

Serena won the all-Williams final, the ninth in Grand Slam history and the second in Australia, 6-4, 6-4, yesterday.

With her record seventh Australian Open title, Serena moved ahead of Steffi Graf for the most major titles in the Open era.

When Serena sat on the court, holding both arms up to celebrate yesterday, Venus walked over to her sister's side of the net for a hug.

"This was a tough one," Serena said. "I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus.

"There's no way I would be at 23 without her there's no way I would be at one without her. Thank you, Venus, for inspiring me to be the best player I can be."