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Federer Wins Australian Open

by VOA News

   Swiss tennis star Roger Federer has defeated Spaniard Rafael Nadal in a
   marathon five set match to win the Australian Open in Melbourne and
   capture his 18th Grand Slam title.

   Federer outlasted Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 on Sunday.

   In the women's final on Saturday, American woman's tennis star Serena
   Williams defeated her sister Venus Williams in straight sets (6-4,
   6-4).

   United States' Serena Williams, right, holds her trophy after defeating
   her sister Venus, left, during the women's singles final at the
   Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 28,
   2017.

   With the victory, the 35-year-old Williams powered her way into the
   record books with 23 Grand Slam titles, surpassing German Steffi Graf
   as winner of the most Grand Slams since the beginning of the Open era
   in 1968 when professional and amateur players competed in the same
   events. Aussie tennis icon Margaret Court won 24 majors, but collected
   13 of those before the Open era.

   The victory at Rod Laver Arena also ensured Serena Williams will regain
   the top ranking, which she lost in September after 186 consecutive
   weeks when German Angelique Kerber won the U.S. Open.