NINETEEN is an all-time favorite number of mine. Why? My birthday falls on a 19. What month? Secret. But if you want to know, ask Erap.
Three 19s punctuated Serena Williams’ victory on Saturday in the just-ended Australian Open Tennis Championship in Melbourne.
In winning her sixth Australian Open, Williams clinched Grand Slam No. 19, in the process edging ahead of Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova in Slams won in the open era. Navratilova and Evert, with 18 Slams each, are retired.
Three more Slams and Williams will equal the all-time best 22 of Steffi Graf, the German juggernaut married to Andre Agassi, the equally eminent American tennis legend with several Slam titles tucked under his belt as well.
With a Slam sweep of the 2015 season happening—it isn’t far-fetched--Williams will catch Graf at 22. Next, Williams will go, at age 34, after Margaret Court’s 24 Slams achieved in the pre-open era.
For Williams, a warrior non pareil, the possibilities are always there.
The first “19” in Williams’ march to history was Madison Keys, the 19-year-old who supplied a big scare in the first set before going down, 7-6 (5), 6-2 in the semifinals.
The second “19” appeared in Williams’ crown clash with Maria Sharapova, the Russian ranked No. 2 who advanced via a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Ekaterina Makarova in an-all Russian semifinal.
But an ambush awaited Sharapova as, going to her 19th meeting with Williams, she had beaten the American only twice. Worst, she lost to Williams 15 straight times prior to Saturday’s finals.
The five-time Slam champion Sharapova did show signs of finally ending a four-time losing streak in the Australian final when she valiantly engaged Williams in a fierce battle in the second set after yielding a 6-3 first set loss.
But Williams whipped up her most lethal weapon: the serve. She shackled Sharapova with 18 aces, 15 of them coming in her victorious 7-6 (5) second set to wrap up the title despite a hacking cough.
“I’m so honored to be here and to hold this 19th trophy,” Williams said in her victory speech.
I will treasure that “19” commonality with Williams, whose sister, Venus, I had the privilege to shake hands with after her victory in the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
I have simple joys in life.
(alsol47@yahoo.com)