Australian Open 2010: Serena Williams beats Henin to seal fifth title

World number one Serena Williams successfully defended her Australian Open title on Saturday after she defeated returning former top-ranked player Justine Henin of Belgium 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.

The win means that Williams has just tied Billie Jean King with 12th Grand Slam singles championship overall. This is also the American’s fifth Australian Open title.

“Billie, we are tied. So I’ve reached my goal,” Williams said during the trophy presentation.

Henin attempted to emulate countrywoman Kim Clijsters feat of clinching a Grand Slam title since returning from retirement. Clijsters won the US Open title last year which was just her third tournament from comeback.

Williams fell on her back in celebration after winning the match. She took the last four games in the third set to secure the victory from the Belgian.

“It was definitely a tough match mentally and physically. We were both out there to prove something, and I think we did at the end of the day,” Williams said.

Despite the loss, Henin said that she’s looking into the positive side of things.

“Even if it’s quite soon after the match now, I’m sure there will be a lot of positive things I can think about in a few days. It’s been almost perfect. Just the last step, I couldn’t make it.”