Serena Williams defeats Maria Sharapova to win 6th Australian Open

(Image credit: Patrick Scala/Getty Images)

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."

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Sarah Eberspacher

Sarah Eberspacher is an associate editor at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked as a sports reporter at The Livingston County Daily Press & Argus and The Arizona Republic. She graduated from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.