Angelique Kerber has won the Australian Open by beating Serena Williams 6-4 3-6 6-4.
The German was not expected to win against the 21-time Slam champion but she put in an incredible performance to overcome the odds.
Williams was out to equal Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Grand Slams and close in on Margaret Court’s all-time mark of 24.
But Kerber hadn’t read the script.
It was the 28-year-old’s first Grand Slam final, compared to Serena’s 26th, but she showed no sign of nerves as she took the first set 6-4.
Up to that point, Williams, 34, had not lost a single set throughout the entire tournament.
She fell to the floor (Picture: AP)
But she responded well and took an early break in the second set before winning it 6-3.
Kerber stunned Williams by breaking her at the start of the third to make it 2-0 but Williams hit straight back.
The same happened later in the set as Kerber broke but Williams hit back as she was serving for the match.
However, it was the German that had the last laugh as she broke again and won the final set 6-4.
Both players walked onto the court…
Williams entered the arena (Picture: AP)
It was Kerber’s first Grand Slam final (Picture: AP)
Both posed for the pre-match photo…
Kerber and Williams were ready for battle (Picture: AP)
Kerber took the early initiative by breaking Serena:
Kerber enjoyed a great first set (Picture: AP)
Williams struggled early on (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Much to the annoyance of her opponent…
Williams was emotional on the court (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
And Kerber took the first set 6-4
Kerber put in a great performance early on (Picture: EPA)
Serena cut a frustrated figure
Williams was not happy (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
The great champion was desperate to win (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
She prepared herself for the second set (Picture: Getty Images)
But she responded well to take the second set 6-3
Serena fought back well (Picture: EPA)
Kerber was frustrated to lose the second set (Picture: AP)
Incredibly, Kerber broke at the start of the final set
Kerber would not stop fighting (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Kerber battled so hard (Picture: EPA)
She believed she could win (Picture: Reuters)
But Williams broke straight back and drew level to 2-2
Serena is not easily beaten (Picture: AP)
She was ice cool (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
She was fired up (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Kerber broke again to put pressure on Williams
What a performance (Picture: AP)
Serena was gutted (Picture: Reuters)
Serena broke back but it wasn’t enough and Kerber marched to victory!
Kerber played so well (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
Kerber was delighted (Picture: Reuters)
What a win (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
She was in disbelief (Picture: Reuters)
Amazing scenes (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)
She was flattened by the result (Picture: AP)
Wiliams was a gracious loser (Picture: Getty Images)
The pair embraced (Picture: Getty Images)
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