Ghana trip helped me a lot - Serena

Finally, after years of ambiguity and doubt, Serena Williams scored an amazing emotional victory to win the Australian Open, obliterating Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-2.

Her show of determination, power and passion that eclipsed anything the former world No 1 had previously achieved. Her performance proved that she still remains potentially one of the most formidable force in women’s tennis.

Persistent wrist problems prevented Serena's sister, Venus, from playing in Australia, but a trip to Ghana in November revitalised Serena. “I saw things there that my ancestors had been through and it couldn’t be worse than that,” she said. “I thought about that and I think it helped me a lot.”

This was the most emphatic Australian Open victory since Steffi Graf humbled Arantxa Sanchez Vicario 6-0 6-2 in 1994. Williams savoured the moment after being written off as a no-hoper. “I had so many critics,” she said. “So many people saying negative things and maintaining I was not fit. I just wanted to show them.”

Over to you Mike Tyson!

Read full story: from UK Times