Some finals live forever, not just for the trophy but for the story behind the battle. On January 31, 2015, Serena Williams walked into Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne carrying more than just her racquet—she carried history on her shoulders, and despite battling illness, she produced a performance that stamped her dominance once again.
In a thrilling final, Serena defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6 (7-5), capturing her sixth Australian Open title and her 19th Grand Slam crown, surpassing legends Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert in the process.
But what made this victory unforgettable wasn’t only the scoreline—it was the drama, the resilience, and the pure brilliance of Serena at 33 years old.
Few fans knew the extent of Serena’s struggles during the tournament. In the middle of the first set, during a rain delay, she left the court to vomit due to illness, yet returned with fire in her eyes. Instead of slowing down, she seemed to rise higher. That’s Serena in a nutshell—when her body says no, her spirit says yes.
Serena unleashed 18 aces and 38 winners that night, dominating with a serve that looked untouchable. Sharapova fought hard, saving match points with blistering forehands and bold second serves, but Serena’s power was relentless. Even when nerves crept in during the tie-break, Serena’s serve came to the rescue again—ending the contest with an ace that left Sharapova helpless.
By then, Serena had beaten Sharapova 16 times in a row dating back to 2004, and while Sharapova’s fighting spirit kept fans glued to the final, the psychological edge was always Serena’s. Sharapova admitted afterward:
“I gave it everything. I love playing her because she’s the best—and you always want to test yourself against the best.”
With this victory, Serena moved one step closer to Steffi Graf’s record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles (a record she would later tie). More than numbers, though, the win reminded the world of her ability to rise through adversity, inspire fans, and redefine what greatness looks like in women’s tennis.
For those who watched live, it wasn’t just a match—it was a masterclass, a memory etched into tennis history. And for Serena, it was another step in building a legacy that continues to inspire young athletes worldwide.
Serena Williams didn’t just win her sixth Australian Open that night. She reminded us why she is and always will be one of the greatest athletes in the history of sport
