MELBOURNE, Australia — Angelique Kerber of Germany upset top-seeded Serena Williams, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, in the Australian Open women’s final on Saturday. With the victory at Rod Laver Arena, Kerber prevented Williams from moving into a tie with Kerber’s countrywoman Steffi Graf as the Open-era leader in major singles titles with 22.
Kerber, a 28-year-old in her 14th year as a pro, was appearing in her first major final. It was the second major in a row in which a first-time Grand Slam finalist won the women’s single title, with Flavia Pennetta having prevailed at the United States Open in September.