American tennis star Serena Williams has won a record-breaking 23rd grand slam title at the Australian Open, beating her sister Venus in straight sets 6-4 6-4.
Serena Williams celebrates her victory in Melbourne against her sister, Venus, on Saturday. Photo: AFP
The 35-year-old's victory gave her a seventh Melbourne Park crown and sent her clear of Germany's Steffi Graf at the top of the list of most prolific grand slam winners since the game turned professional in 1968.
The second seed overcame a stuttering serve to take a topsy turvy opening set and one break of 36-year-old Venus's serve proved enough to claim the second after 82 minutes on Rod Laver Arena.
The victory ensured Serena, who hit 10 aces and 27 winners, would regain the world number one ranking from Germany's Angelique Kerber.
Australia's Margaret Court, with 24, is the only player still ahead of Serena in terms of all-time grand slam singles titles.
After the win, the younger Williams sister slumped to the ground, with hands in the air, before congratulating her sister for inspiring her run in Melbourne.
"She's an amazing person, there's no way I would be at 23 without her," she said, cradling the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup at the trophy ceremony.
"There's no way I would have anything without her ... She's the only reason the Williams sisters exist, so thank you for inspiring me to be the best that I can be."
Venus Williams in action against her sister in the final, which she lost 6-4 6-4. Photo: AFP
Venus, who won huge admiration for her unlikely run to make the final, praised her sister's achievement.
"Serena Williams, that's my little sister, guys," she said, beaming.
"Congratulations Serena on number 23, I've been right there with you, some of them I've lost with you.
"Your win has always been my win, you know that ... I'm enormously proud of you, you mean the world to me."
Earlier this month, both sisters left the Auckland Classic early - with Venus withdrawing with a wrist injury and Serena knocked out with a shock loss to fellow American Madison Brengle.
- Reuters / RNZ