Serena Williams slams sister for 23rd major title

Serena Williams rolled to her 23rd career Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, beating her sister Venus Williams in straight sets on Saturday, winning a matchup of the oldest finalists in the Open Era in Melbourne.

Serena Williams, 35, won 6-4, 6-4 over 36-year-old Venus Williams in a one-hour, 22-minute match that the participants labeled improbable.

“I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus, she’s an amazing person,” Serena said of her sister. “There’s no way I’d be at 23 (titles), or I’d be at one. She’s my inspiration. Thank you Venus for inspiring me to be the best player I could be.”

Serena Williams has beaten Venus 17 times, and with Saturday’s victory she returned to the World No. 1 ranking — unseating Angelique Kerber — and broke a tie for Slam victories with Steffi Graf. Australian Margaret Court’s record of 24 major titles bridged the pre-Open and Open Eras.

At the end of the match and before Serena Williams raised the silver trophy high above her head, the American siblings shared a long embrace on the court.

Venus Williams was in her 15th Grand Slam final and first since 2011 (Wimbledon).

“To enjoy this moment and be breathing, this is a beautiful thing,” Venus said. “I’m so happy to be able to play in front of you. Serena WIlliams — that’s my little sister, you guys. Congratulation Serena on winning No. 23 and I’ve been there alongside you, sometimes against you. I’m enormously proud of you.”

Serena won her seventh Australian Open title, to go along with seven championships at Wimbledon, six at the U.S. Open and three at the French Open.

“My first Grand Slam started here, and getting to 23 here, but playing Venus, it’s stuff that legends are made of,” Serena said. “I couldn’t have written a better story.