Serena Williams poses with the Daphne Akhurst trophy after beating Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
Serena Williams poses with the Daphne Akhurst trophy after beating Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final.
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The two haven't always seen eye to eye but there was a warm handshake after the gripping 6-3 7-6 (5) affair.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
The two haven't always seen eye to eye but there was a warm handshake after the gripping 6-3 7-6 (5) affair.
GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images
Williams drew first blood and set the tone by breaking in the first game. It was the worst start for Sharapova, who had lost 15 in a row to Williams.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
Williams drew first blood and set the tone by breaking in the first game. It was the worst start for Sharapova, who had lost 15 in a row to Williams.
MAL FAIRCLOUGH/AFP/Getty Images
There was a 12-minute delay in the first set due to rain.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
There was a 12-minute delay in the first set due to rain.
Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Afterwards, organizers used the roof. It seemed to help Williams' already potent serve.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
Afterwards, organizers used the roof. It seemed to help Williams' already potent serve.
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When Williams won the first set, it spelled trouble for Sharapova.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
When Williams won the first set, it spelled trouble for Sharapova.
AL FAIRCLOUGH/AFP/Getty Images
But as is her way, Sharapova didn't throw in the towel in the second set.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
But as is her way, Sharapova didn't throw in the towel in the second set.
GREG WOOD/AFP/Getty Images
She floored Williams after a punishing rally.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
She floored Williams after a punishing rally.
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Sharapova saved two match points with big forehands.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
Sharapova saved two match points with big forehands.
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But on a third match point, Sharapova could do nothing since Williams was serving. She hit an ace and later leaped in celebration.
Williams beats Sharapova in Aussie final —
But on a third match point, Sharapova could do nothing since Williams was serving. She hit an ace and later leaped in celebration.
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