Serena Williams rewrote history to surpass Steffi Graf and capture a record 23rd grand slam title as well as the world No.1 ranking by beating her sister Venus in the Australian Open final.
The dominant American swept past her greatest rival 6-4 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena for her seventh Melbourne Park crown to finally clinch the record for Open-era major titles, nearly 18 years after winning her first at the 1999 US Open.
The 35-year-old, who equalled Graf's mark of 22 at Wimbledon last year, now stands just one behind the all-time 24 won by Margaret Court, who was in the president's box to witness her feat.
Her astonishing achievement also means she again becomes the world's No.1 player, ending the brief stay of Angelique Kerber who displaced Williams after three-and-a-half years on top in September last year.
