Serena Williams has clinched her 19th career Grand Slam and sixth Australian Open title by trouncing second seed Maria Sharapova in straight sets in Melbourne.
The American world number won the first grand slam of the year with a 6-3, 7-6(7-5) victory over her Russian opponent Sharapova in a pulsating thriller that lasted one hour and 50 minutes.
Losing the first set, Sharapova showed glimpses of resilience as she fought back stoutly to fend off a championship point at 4-5 to force a tie-break.
Subsequently, the Russian further saved two championship points in the tie-break before Serena sealed the game by firing an 18th ace of the match.
While Serena smashed 38 winners, the Russian could only fire 21 winners during the match.
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