Before all is said and done, Serena Williams may be known best for her individual achievements. Having teamed with her older sibling, Venus, to win 11 Grand Slam doubles championships, her dominance in that genre of tennis is well documented. But her individual brilliance has quite possibly passed her (and her sister’s) legacy as a duo.
In fact, at the ripe of age of 28, Australians may already regard Serena as the best tennis player of all time.
The younger Williams sister defeated Justine Henin, 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, to wrap up her fifth Australian Open title. The win moved Serena to sixth on the all-time womens’ Grand Slam list – as she is currently tied win tennis legend Billie Jean King.
Serena's power was just too much for her opponents in the Australian Open.
Williams had a secure No.1 world ranking coming into the event. However, after losing to fifth-ranked Elena Dementieva in the finals of the Medibank International, Serena needed a strong showing. This year’s Australian Open was full of upsets, paving the way for any of the top seeds that could limit their mistakes.
Williams certainly had her struggles, including three-set matches against Victoria Azarenka and Henin – as well as a grueling straight-set semifinal victory against Na Li – but she was able to channel her power game at key instances to push her into the winner’s circle.
It was a similar story against Henin. Williams was just too powerful when she needed to be against Henin, who is a seasoned champion tennis player in her own right.
Time and time again, Williams has proved that she is the best in the world – as her No.1 world ranking attests. When she’s on her game, she is an unstoppable force.
What about when she’s not on her game?
Well…just ask Azarenka, Li and Henin.
T Lamont is an administator and author covering all sports for Ball or Nuthin'. Send T Lamont a question or comment for future discussion (tlamont@ballornuthin.com). 
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