Serena Williams beats sister Venus to bag record 23rd Grand Slam title

SERENA WILLLIAMS saw off sister Venus in the Australian Open final to win in straight sets and pass Stefi Graf in the all-time list of Grand Slam winners.

The 35-year-old triumphed 6-4 6-4 and has now won an Open-era record 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

Only Australia’s Margaret Court, who won 24 titles, now stand ahead of her.

Williams also regained the world number one ranking from German player Angelique Kerber by beating her sister, who at 36-years-old was the eldest Australian Open finalist since the Open era began in 1968.

After the match, Venus told her sister: “I’m enormously proud of you, you mean the world to me.”

Serena responded with her own tribute, as she said: “”There’s no way I would be at 23 without her. There’s no way I’d be at one without her. She’s my inspiration.

“She’s the only reason I’m standing here today. She’s the only reason the Williams sisters exist. Thank you for inspiring me. Every time you won this week, I felt like I got a win too.”

The Men’s final takes place on Sunday January 29 at 9.30am CET, and will see Spain’s Rafa Nadal take on old rival Roger Federer in what promises to be a classic encounter.