Serena Williams French Open 2013: Straight Sets Win Over Sharapova is 16th Major Title, Just Two Short of All-Time Leader Martina Navratilova

Serena Williams overpowered Maria Sharapova in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) during Saturday’s French Open Finals and along and the way etched her name alongside fellow immortals Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert as the only female players to ever win each Grand Slam at least twice.

With the year’s Wimbledon and U.S. Open events yet to be played, her 16^th career major singles championship also put her just two behind the record-setting mark of 18 shared by Navratilova and Evert.

Williams' French heroics come just two years after her life and career both dangerously hung in the balance as she battled back from an embolism she’s previously told ESPN literally “had her on her death bed.” Just a year ago, at this same tournament, she was stunningly bounced in the first round.

Williams, now 31, had last won in Paris 11 years ago, but on Saturday she showed she still knows how to whip the adoring French crowd into frenzy. On her last three serves, she easily overpowered Sharapova with aces of 118 mph, 121 and, on match point, an even faster 128

Afterwards, Williams who has now won 31 consecutive matches three of the past four Grand Slam singles titles, reflected to ESPN about the last time she stood at such heights.

“Eleven years," she said of her last French title. “I think it's unbelievable. Now I have 16 Grand Slam titles. It's difficult for me to speak because I'm so excited."

At 31, Williams also became the oldest tournament champ in French history.

 

 

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