Serena Williams’ first Grand Slam in Australia was a memorable one.
In 2002, the then-20 year-old won the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, becoming a global superstar and winning fans around the world.
Suffice to say, she was under significant pressure to complete the sweep by winning the Australian Open.
It wasn’t looking good for the then-world No.1 in the semifinal. She trailed Kim Clijsters 2-5 in the final set but, astonishingly, was able to survive two match points and eventually fought back to win the match 4-6 6-3 7-5.
This would set up a clash against her older sister and second seed, Venus Williams.
The first set was a predictably tense tie break that Serena won 7-6(4). Venus then hit back by winning the second set 6-3, until Serena finally edged her out 6-4 and completed the ‘Serena Slam’.
For tennis fans everywhere it was a seminal moment in the American’s career – who to-date has 23 Grand Slam titles, including seven in Melbourne Park.
As for Serena? Well, it was pretty special, too.
In her acceptance speech, the typically-unemotional Williams began crying tears of joy almost instantaneously and said, “I never get choked up. Never! But I’m really emotional right now and I’m really, really, really happy and I’d like to thank my mum and my dad for always supporting me. Thanks.”