Serena beats sister Venus 6-4 6-4
Victory brings her an Open-era record 23rd major singles title
Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live, highlights on BBC One at 13:15
Image source, Getty ImagesThe smile says its all. Serena Williams is a seven-time Australian Open champion, a 23-time Grand Slam champion and the number one female player in the world again.
That's all from me - make sure you join us again from 08:00 GMT tomorrow. There's a small match involving one bloke called Federer and another called Nadal. That should be alright.
Serena wins Australian Open
Even the usually-uncharitable Derek Zoolander has hailed the Williams sisters...
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Serena wins Australian Open
And seconds after telling Serena in person, fiance Alexis Ohanian tells the entire world on Twitter...
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Serena wins Australian Open
Serena's smile is still wider than the Yarra river as she moves downstairs in the Rod Laver Arena. The first beaming face she sees belongs to long-time agent and friend Jill Smoller, the pair hugging warmly before Serena moves onto fiance Alexis Ohanian. The Reddit co-founder (the couple announced their engagement on the social media website by the way) whispers into his beau's ear - presumably not complaining that he didn't get a mention in her victory speech...
Serena wins Australian Open
Jill Craybas
Former world number 39 on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
Being at the top of the game is gruelling and that's what gets to a lot of people. What the Williams sisters have both have done so well throughout their career is learn how to manage themselves. They know when to rest and recover and that's what they have been phenomenal at. From the beginning, they had that passion. If you have it from the beginning you don't lose it.
Serena wins Australian Open
And Billie Jean, herself a 10-time Grand Slam winner, also has some wonderful words for Venus...
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Serena wins Australian Open
You know someone is special when they are being hailed a hero by Billie Jean King...
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#bbctennis
Emlyn Akoto-Dwemoh: Serena Williams. What. A. Woman. Powerful. Eloquent. Humble.
Ebunola A: So fitting Venus is the one who "helped" (can't think of a better word) Serena to make history as opponent #23
Charlotte Watson: It's never been in doubt but now it's official Serena Williams is the GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!!
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A pair of Williams teeth-showing smiles are illuminating the darkened Rod Laver Arena. They're brighter than the aforementioned camera lights. A truly wonderful picture.
Image source, AFPS Williams 6-4 6-4 V Williams
A thunderous round of applause from the Laver crowd as Serena waves, twirls and steps down from the stage. Flashbulbs flicker from the army of press photographers at court-side, camera phones click in the stands. Everyone is desperate to capture this moment, uploading it onto their favoured social media account now doubt. Hope the Laver wi-fi can cope.
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Australian Open 2017 champion Serena Williams: "I really would like to take this moment to congratulate Venus. She's an amazing person.
"There's no way I would be at 23 without her. There's no way I'd be at one without her. She's my inspiration.
"She's the only reason I'm standing here today. She's the only reason the Williams sisters exist. Thank you for inspiring me. Every time you won this week, I felt like I got a win too.
"She deserves an incredible round of applause, she's made an amazing comeback. I definitely think she'll be standing here next year. I don't like the world comeback - she never left."
Image source, AFPS Williams 6-4 6-4 V Williams
Now it is Serena's turn to step up to the mic - after she grabs hold of that sparkling bit of silverware. The 23-time Grand Slam winner cradles the trophy like a new-born baby, giving a speech that shows she is a great orator as well as a great tennis player.
Humour, gratitude, empathy - it has it all. "I'm going on - I'm trying to stay up here as long as possible," she beams. "I missed it last year!"
Image source, ReutersS Williams 6-4 6-4 V Williams
Australian Open 2017 runner-up Venus Williams: "Congratulations Serena on number 23. I have been right there with you, some of them I lost right there against you. It's been an awesome win.
"All those times i couldn't be there, didn't get there, you were there. I'm enormously proud of you, you mean the world to me.
"I am, God willing, would love to come back. Thank you for all the love."
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"Serena Williams...wow. That is my little sister," beams Venus as she produces an on-stage performance worthy of an Oscar-winning acceptance speech. And why not. Her revival after debilitating illness at the age of 36 is worthy of a Hollywood plot line.
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Margaret Court watches on from the comfy seats as Serena Williams stands alongside sister Venus, waiting to be called on to the stage which has been hastily erected up on court. Wonder what she is thinking? A part of her must be wishing Serena would just hang up her strings...
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Russell Fuller
BBC tennis correspondent on Radio 5 live sports extra
When you think where this story began, in the Californian neighbourhood of Compton, their dad begging clubs to donate their old tennis balls so they could practice. Their story is a remarkable one. Given the way she is playing, you have to say Serena is odds on to go past Margaret Court.
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One youngish fella is waving a homemade sign up to the cameras, congratulating Serena on her 23rd Grand Slam title. That's put her ahead of Steffi Graf in terms of Open Era majors - as if you don't know. Only Margaret Court stands ahead of Serena in the all-time ranks now. Anyone betting against her equalling - or beating - Court's 24 this year? Didn't think so.
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Gigi Salmon
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator
They said at the start of this, there would not be a loser. It was a win-win situation because a Williams would be lifting the trophy at the end of the day. Serena cannot believe it - she is a seven-time Australian Open champion. It is completely insane what this woman is capable of and what she keeps achieving.
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Serena looks up to her box, waving one solitary finger on her right hand up to her box.
"I'm back at world number one!" is the message. And she's right. Serena climbs back above Angelique Kerber in the rankings with this victory.
Image source, AFP
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All over. Serena Williams is the 2017 Australian Open champion!
Serena piles on the pressure, forcing Venus on to the back foot, only for the older sister to keep getting the ball back. Venus is rocking, eventually looping a forehand over the net but into the tramlines.
Serena falls to the court, Venus immediately jogs forward to the net. A sloppy kiss, a loving hug. A moment they're happy to share together.
Image source, AFP