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One of sport’s greatest sibling rivalries was renewed in the Australian Open finals on Saturday.
For the first time since the 2009 Wimbledon Finals, Serena and Venus Williams faced off for a major title, which was also Venus’ last finals appearance in general.
Sisters in sync #AusOpen #Venus #Serena
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017
👭 pic.twitter.com/yXWudqSNps
The pair met on centre court on Saturday night (Australian time), with Serena looking to win her 23rd major, which would put her just one behind Margaret Court for the most all time.
Serena got off to a good start, winning the first set 6-4 in 41 minutes. Venus twice broke her youngest sister in the first set before getting broken back in the very next game.
The second set was much more of the same and Serena cruised to another 6-4 win to take the match and earn her 23rd major title on the WTA Tour.
In a league of her own@serenawilliams def. #Venus Williams 6-4 6-4 to earn a record 2️⃣3️⃣rd Grand Slam singles 🏆, her 7th at the #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/S4cCsEoHGx
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017
“Congratulations Serena on number 23,” said Venus after the match. “I’m enormously proud of you, you mean the world to me.”
The sisterly love was in no way one-sided, however, as Serena shot back with a tribute to her big sis.
“There’s no way I would be at 23 without her,” she said. “There’s no way I’d be one without her, she’s my inspiration.”
.@serenawilliams “I can’t believe I’m number one.” #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/bkP7fyW63T
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017
The win doesn’t only move Serena to second all time when it comes to major titles, but it also moves her back into the top spot in the world rankings, dethroning Angelique Kerber.
Another classic finals matchup is on tap for the men’s final on Sunday as Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer prepare to face off in a major final for the first time since 2011.
The Sunday night final in Australia will start at 12:30 a.m. local time.
Nadal. Federer.
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 27, 2017
We've got a classic in the men's #AusOpen final. pic.twitter.com/dt4fEE1DZW
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