Australian Open Final-- Serena Williams beats number one ranked Maria Sharapova in straight sets.

Australian Open Final-- Serena Williams beats number one ranked Maria Sharapova in straight sets.
Serena Williams came into the Australian Open ranked 81st in the world to leave with the trophy beating Sharapova in straight sets 6-1, 6-2 winning her 8th Grand Slam Title.

"It was an awesome win, because I had so many critics. So many people...saying negative things," Williams said. "Saying I wasn't fit, when I felt that I was reallt fit, and I could last three sets."It's always like, tell me no and I'll show you that I can do it. I get the greatest satisfaction just holding up the Grand Slam trophy and proving everyone wrong."

^{Williams became the second unseeded woman ever to win the Australian Open Title in the Open Era.}

^{When  the rankings come out next week Williams will jump from 81st to number 14 in the world while Sharapova will be #1.}

^{Williams stated after the match " I have been working really hard and haven't felt like my results have been showing," and finally it just all came together, especially in the final match."}

^{This definitely goes down as one of my good matches, I'm insatiable, " Williams said. " I think I could have done better. That's just my character."}

^{Williams now 25 last won in Australia in 2003, was jubilant skipping over to her mother Oracene Price and other people in the stands exchanging high fives.}

^{Williams was emotional in accepting the trophy dedicating the title to her half-sister Yetunde Price, who was killed in a 2003 shooting. Williams ended by saying " I'll try not to get teary-eyed but I said a couple of days ago, if I win this it's going to be for her. So thanks Tinde." Williams worked away from the micraphone showing tears of joy and sadness.}

^{Williams left her critics with no doubts she was fit with her convincing victory over Sharapova. Sharapova suffered her worst loss in a Grand Slam event.}