Serena Williams defeats Maria Sharapova to win 6th Australian Open

Notching her sixth Australian Open victory and 19th Grand Slam title, Serena Williams powered through a nagging cough to defeat Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6 (5) on Saturday, The Associated Press reports.

"Growing up, I wasn't the richest, but I had a rich family in spirit and support," Williams said after her victory. "Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen. I went on the courts with just a ball, a racket, and a hope...Never give up. You never know what's going to happen."

The top-ranked tennis star's victory makes her the oldest winner of the Australian Open women's title, at 33 years old. The win also moves Williams into second place for most major wins; she is now just three major titles away from tying Steffi Graf's Open Era record of 22.

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