Serena Williams Wins 2010 Australian Open in Awe-Inspiring Fashion

In the beginning of this year's Australian Open, the tennis world had its eye on the No. 1 seed, Serena Williams. Would she be able to defend her title? Would she be able to win the Australian Open in an even-numbered year? Only time would reveal the answer.

Over the course of this Australian Open, there were many times that she could have been counted out and probably was by some. During her quarterfinal match against, Victoria Azarenka, Serena was down a set and 4-0 in the second set. But in the way that few can, she dug her heels in, threw herself a lifeline, and climbed up out of that hole, going on to win the set and the match.

Additionally, the sheer exhaustion of playing 13 matches (six singles and seven doubles, including finals where she and Venus won their 11th title) prior to the Aussie finals would have possibly taken out the best—but not Serena.

Returning from a 20 month leave, Justine was playing as if she was determined to return to where she left off and hand Serena her second loss by a Belgian who was returning to the game (the other being Kim Clijsters at 2009 U.S. Open). For the most part, she had cruised through the Australian Open, without really being challenged. Most recently, in less than an hour, she eliminated China's last chance at a possible Aussie title by defeating Zheng Jie.

That brings us to the showdown—Serena Williams vs. Justine Henin. For both of these ladies, they would undoubtedly be each other's most formidable opponent during this tournament. As they entered the court, Justine smiled as she waved to the arena crowd. Serena, on the other hand, came out with her game face on—no disrespect intended. She loves her fans, and they know it. I think she was in a mentally focused place to prepare herself for the match.

Serena won the toss and opted to serve. Right away, she began with an ace, her 53rd of the tournament. Serena was able to jump out to a 3-1 lead. In playing for a 4-1 lead, there was a call discrepancy which led to a replay of the point. In making her point, Serena strikes back with an ace, going up 4-1. Justine played well, and she capitalized on Serena's unforced errors, allowing her to even things back up at 4-4. But Serena had a response and eventually won the set, 6-4.

Historically, when Serena has won the first set at the Australian Open, she has gone on to win the match. She's 40-0.

Serena began the second set in similar fashion as the first. She took an early 1-0 lead. Henin came right back though, and it was 1-1. These ladies would go back and forth until things leveled out at 3-3. At this point, Henin took control and ended up winning the set, 6-3.

This set began to really show the tournament's wear and tear on this champion—mentally and physically. Once again, she also had some missteps. She had difficulty with her service game. As in the previous set, Henin coupled her playing well with Serena's errors, but this time she was able to hold on for the win.

Serena and Justine took a break following the second set. They both came out knowing that this match would determine the Aussie champion.

Justine jumped out to a 1-0 lead. Serena came back—it's 1-1. Like the previous set, they went back and forth for a period of time. Then, Serena went up 3-2, and there was no turning back. Keep in mind that this was the same person who had lost the last 10 points of the second set and the first five of this set. Now, she was knocking on the door of a championship.

In playing to go up 4-2, there was yet another call discrepancy. Serena's shot had been called in and Justine challenged. The shot was out. Serena hit an ace for clarification and to officially go up 4-2. Justine hits a double fault, and Serena was up 5-2.

All of her hard work and her relentless determination to persevere led her to this moment—Serena was serving for the match. She opened with an ace to go up 15-0...she went up 30-0...she was up 40-0. Serena was at triple match point.

Justine was able to save a match point. But Serena struck back and landed in the record books. Fittingly, she tied Billie Jean King (friend and mentor) by acquiring her 12th Major, and she set the record for most wins in the Open Era of the Australian Open with her 5th.

Serena's final stats included 32 winners and 12 aces. During the presentation ceremony both ladies acknowledged the other for a well-played match.

In closing, I, like so many others, are in awe of the talent and perseverance of Serena Williams. From her start in the tennis world to now, she has always been a true champion and inspiration to those who watch her play. She makes it very clear that no matter who or what may stand in your way, no matter how many times people may count you out, never give up. Serena undoubtedly proved that in this year's Australian Open.

Congratulations Serena!