Whether you love her or hate her, Serena Williams knows how to win on the big stage.In one of the best women's Grand Slam finals in recent time, Williams was able to step up when it mattered most, beating comeback queen Justine Henin in three sets. Melbourne Park and Williams continued their wonderful relationship, with the two combining well once again for her to win a fifth Australian Open title.
For the first time in the Open's history, the women's final was played during the evening. And the two competitors didn't disappoint, putting on a spectacular display that swayed in momentum countless times. When Henin seemed to get the upper edge on Williams, the American would find a way to combat the Henin attack. But when Williams started to get her serve right, Henin decided to up her own service and land a lot more first serves in.
After Williams took out the first set, Henin responded in superb style in the second. No matter what happened after that second set, Henin had announced that she was back. Her trademark backhand was on display once again, but it was her accurate serving that surprised most, including Williams. We still have to remember that this is only Henin's second tournament back in her return to the sport. So for her to even make it to the final was an achievement in itself.
Williams was able to find another gear and gain control in the final set, highlighted by some powerful ground strokes that forced a crucial double break. When Williams won the final point, she collapsed to the ground in pure delight. It meant a lot for the American to win in front of her hero, Billie Jean King who was watching on in the stands, and to beat a player such as the calibre of Henin in a final.
Williams was able to find another gear and gain control in the final set, highlighted by some powerful ground strokes that forced a crucial double break. When Williams won the final point, she collapsed to the ground in pure delight. It meant a lot for the American to win in front of her hero, Billie Jean King who was watching on in the stands, and to beat a player such as the calibre of Henin in a final.
The standard and quality of the tennis played by Williams and Henin in this final further emphasises that it is an exciting time for the women's game. Henin should be stoked with her performance over the last fortnight and she will now regroup and focus on her real goal for 2010, the Wimbledon Championships mid-year. Williams will now relax and recuperate as she comes to terms with her achievement.
And there is no reason why the world number one cannot come back next year and win her sixth title, which would make it her third in a row.
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