Australian Open 2017, Day 13, as it happened: Serena Williams clinches 23, Kontinen/Peers win men's doubles title

Order of play on centre court at the Australian Open on Sunday (x denotes seeding):

Rod Laver Arena

10:30 AM IST (0500 GMT)

Abigail Spears (USA)/Juan Sebastian Cabal (COL) v Sania Mirza (IND)/Ivan Dodig (CRO x2)

02:00 PM IST

Roger Federer (SUI x17) v Rafael Nadal (ESP x9)

Before we sign off, here’s our favourite moment from the day!

Way to go @johnwpeers @henrikontinen @AustralianOpen champions has a nice ring to it! 👌topspin lob to win 🏆👍@7tennis

— Todd Woodbridge (@toddwoodbridge) January 28, 2017

Did you know: This is the second Grand Slam title for Henri Kontinen, who won Wimbledon 2016 with Heather Watson

Peers/Kontinen are 10th champs in the last 13 Slams where both guys are first-time Slam winners.

Even WTA is like, whoa, slow down, guys.

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 28, 2017

Here’s the winning moment 

. @henrikontinen and @johnwpeers are the men’s doubles champions ???? #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/mfqexcYzzr

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

​Kontinen-Peers continue their red hot form 

At the end of 2016, the pair won the last 2 trophies – the Masters 1000 at Paris and the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals in London.
They carry their form to 2017 as the beat one of the strongest doubles team in tennis history. 
John Peers is a local boy from Melbourne and his win with Henri Kontinen is met with a loud cheer in the Rod Laver Arena. 
Mike and Bob Bryan, who were thoroughly outplayed in the final, will rue their missed chances.

History x 2@henrikontinen / @johnwpeers def. Bryan/Bryan 7-5 7-5 to win their first Grand Slam title as a team.#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/hLcekzcXwh

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

Kontinen-Peers win their first Grand Slam!

The Bryan brothers were serving to stay in the match and they ended up giving 2 championship points to the #4 seeds.
Henri Kontinen and John Peers make no mistake and win their first major as a team 7-5 7-5.

Kontinen/Peers a game away again. Their only loss in the last 3 months was to... Kei Nishikori and Dominic Thiem.

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 28, 2017

Kontinen-Peers take it 6-5 and the Bryan brothers are serving to stay in the match.

Kontinen-Peers return the favour with a speedy 40-0 game and lead the set 5-4.

Bryan brothers race away in their game and take it 40-0 to level the set 4-4.

An angled shot gives Bryans the first point in the game but fourth seeds Kontinen-Peers are all over the court with their returns and take it to 40-15 and they hold comfortably at 4-3.
Neither team has been able break the other and we may well be heading towards a tiebreak in the second set.

Another cracking backhand from Kontinen gives the them the first point.
Another sparring session at the net evens it at 15-15.
But a strong service game by Bob gives the Bryans the game to draw level at 3-3.

More sharp aces and an intelligent service game by Peers gives them the first game and the lead in the 3-2.

Kontinen-Peers continues his exemplary pick up shots as the Bryans continue their precariously close to the body smashes.
The second serve is much better form the Bryans as they take the game to level set with 2-2.

Kontinen-Peers back at it with their outsmarting returns and crushing smashes, take a quick 30-0 lead.
A wonderful pickup by Kontinen, is followed by a well placed volley that looks like giving us another eye-catching rally, but an unforced error gives the #4 seeds a 2-1 lead in the second set.

What a rally to start!

A thrilling crosscourt rally follows and Bryans take a 30-0 lead before Kontinen-Peers outwit Mike with a smash.
The second serve brings another shot-studded rally which is defined by an unlucky netcord point. 
Another netcord hindrance gives Bryans the game, and this might prove to be a crucial hold in the match.

Kontinen-Peers maybe in their first major final, but they are playing an intelligent game against the veteran Bryan brothers.
They race to a lead with a crisp ace and more clever points at the net and take the first game of the second set.

#Kontinen and #Peers win the 1st set vs the #Bryan brothers #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/SsXMCCspIn

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

Kontinen-Peers take first set

Mike Bryan’s serve gets a sharp return down the line and the start and the #3 seeds are relentless in their search for a break.
A terrific game at the net gives Kontinen-Peers 2 setpoints and they capture the opening set 7-5 in 37 minutes

🎾👬: #Kontinen 🇫🇮/#Peers 🇦🇺 play their 1st GS final and hope to remain perfect v the Bryans (2-0 H2H).

📈: https://t.co/jKnVqnj1ag#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/8mm2xrKeNO

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

Kontinen-Peers race away to a 40-0 lead on serve and comfortably seal the game to take the first set to 6-5.

A big service game gives the Bryan brother an early lead but a stunning backhand return brings Kontinen-Peers back in the game and draw level at 30-30.
A wayward volley helps Bryans nose ahead and a smash at net – after an unsuccessful by the #4 seeds – gives Bryans the game and takes the first set ot 5-5.

A 201 kmph peers serve gives them the first points, which is followed by a stunning contest at the net which is just missed by Bob and he hits the next one out to give away 40-0 lead.
The Bryan brothers pull back to make it 30-40 but a thundering set closes the game to give the #3 seeds 5-4 lead in the first set.

A terrific return down the line gives the #4 seeds the first point on Mike Bryan’s serve.
The netpoints in this set keep getting better as a low volley seals a point for the brothers, but another sharp Kontinen-Peers return levels the score at 30-30.
Mike serves one at 195 that is shot wayward and the game is sealed by another outside shot levelling the set at 4-4-.

Kontinen induces an error from the brothers as they race to a lead on serve.
A clever play at the net gives them a 40-0 lead and a sharp chip gives them a 4-3 lead in the first set.

3-3 in Set 1 

Much better service game from Bob Bryan as they brothers run through the game with a couple of intelligent shots.
The first set is level at 3-3

Peers’ serve makes it 3-2

Peers starts off with an ace and follows it with another thundering down to take a 30-0 lead quickly.
But they miss a couple of close volley next to level at 30-30.
Another crisp ace gives the lead and they take the game with a powerful smash. 3-2 in the first set

First set level at 2-2

Mike Bryan is one the money with a serve as a pointed smash gives them an early 30-0 lead, but they drive one in the net.
Another smash gives them the game as the set is levelled at 2-2

Bryan brothers break back!

A double fault by Kontinen helps the former champs seal their breakpoint as the first set stands 1-2

Kontinen-Peers break early

They #4 seeds have taken the a 2-0 lead in the first set over the Bryan brothers

Time for the men’s doubles final now!

4th seeds Henri Kontinen (FIN)/John Peers (AUS) vs 3rd seeds Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA)

Mens doubles final on RLA now. It's @Bryanbros/@Bryanbrothers vs @henrikontinen/@johnwpeers #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/SW1mswecQs

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

Serena’s Air Jordans with the magic number 23

Serena changed into these icy custom Jordan 1s commemorating her record-breaking 23rd major for the trophy ceremony. pic.twitter.com/YK2SMP7U8D

— Bryan Armen Graham (@BryanAGraham) January 28, 2017

Another stat comparison:

Of Steffi Graf’s 22 singles Slams, none were won in her 30s.

Of Serena Williams’ 23 singles Slams, 10 were won in her 30s.

That’s a lot of silverware!

Serena Williams pointing to the blank space under her name on the Walk of Champions

. @serenawilliams pointing to the blank space under her name on the Walk of Champions #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/mIUhtUwI7C

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

Serena changed into red/black Jordans provided by Nike for the trophy ceremony. "23" on the left (Slams), "7" on the right (#AusOpen titles)

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 28, 2017

Serena to Venus: “There’s no way I would be at 23 without her. There’s no way I would be at 1 without her … she’s my inspiration.”

Serena Williams is back to World No 1!

That is a well-deserved finger-wag, @serenawilliams. ☝️🏆#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/Kjk8RgOhFW

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

This was a beautiful end to a record-making tournament!

“Thank you for all the love, thank you.” @Venuseswilliams thank you for a fantastic #AusOpen 2017 pic.twitter.com/D95TfYweSL

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

What a gracious runner-up’s speech from Venus!

“Your win has always been my win” – Venus to Serena in the post-match winning presentation.

“Serena Williams – that’s my little sister! Congrats on 23, you mean the world to me!”

With her 23rd Grand Slam title, Serena Williams regains the World No 1 ranking!

This is Serena’s SEVENTH Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and she won it without dropping a set.

Serena Williams’ 23 Grand Sam titles:

Australian Open – 7

French Open – 3

Wimbledon – 7

US Open – 6

This hug at the net was everything!

Doesn't get any better than this. pic.twitter.com/mfW76oM85R

— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) January 28, 2017

GREATEST EVER!

SW23  

Serena Williams wins a record 23rd Grand Slam title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Venus in 1 hour and 21 minutes.

SHE’S DONE IT! No. 23@serenawilliams is your #AusOpen 2017 women’s singles champion. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/LC6fpWi3Ik

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

No 23 for Serena Williams!

Venus wins the first point on Serena’s game. Serena follows it up with a booming serve to make it 15-15. 

Venus wins a tremendous rally of 24 shots with a looping forehand that just clipped the line. Serena couldn’t return it and send it into the net. 15-30.

Serena puts Venus off balance with a backhand down the line and this time Venus can’t get her return over the net. 30-30. The tension is rising inside the Rod Laver Arena. 

Serena brings up CHAMPIONSHIP POINT!

SERENA WINS!

Serena Williams will now serve for the Australian Open 2017 title!

Venus holds for 5-4

Venus serving at 5-3, and she wins the first point with a overhead smash at the net. She seems to be in some discomfort after hitting that one though.

An ace two points later and Venus makes it 40-15. 

After an exchange of powerful ground strokes that barely made it over the net, Serena sends her backhand wide. Venus holds for 5-4.

Serena leads 5-3

Love-hold from the 22-time Slam Champion and she is just a game away from title No 23.

Serena breaks for 4-3

Serena with a searing backhand return winner. Stood on the baseline and smacked it down.

Venus makes it 30-30 with an ace. Her 6th of the match. Serving so muhc better now. 

A nice, baseline rally ensues on the next point, with Serena and Venus both moving the ball all around the court. Serena wins the point after Venus sends her backhand shot wide. Serena has BREAK POINT.

Venus misses her first serve, but makes a good second one and Serena dumps it into the net. Deuce. 

Serena hooks in a forehand cross court that whizzes past Venus and she another BREAK POINT.

Venus saves it with one more huge serve down the tee. Deuce. 

It’s advantage and BREAK POINT Serena again as she hammers a return winner. 

On her 3rd BREAK POINT, she finally converts! Serena surges ahead 4-3.

Serena makes it 3-3

Serena holds at 15. Venus started the game really well, winning the first point at the net with a deft volley. But Serena ran away with the rest of the points in the game to hold for 3-3.

Venus 3-2* Serena

Venus grinds out a tough hold. She is making way too many errors but is doing well to stay in contention in the second set under a lot of pressure. She’s serving first so will try and target one of Serena’s games soon.

Can Serena win her 23rd today?

Most #AusOpen Open Era final appearances

8 Serena Williams
7 Evonne Goolagong
6 Martina Hingis
6 Chris Evert
6 Martina Navratilova

— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) January 28, 2017

What a beautiful gif

Sisters in sync #AusOpen #Venus #Serena
👭 pic.twitter.com/yXWudqSNps

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

Serena holds for 2-2

Error-strewn game from Venus and Serena holds comfortably at 30. 

Three ground strokes dumped into the net by Venus and she is furious at herself.

This is an astounding stat.

Serena Williams is 20-0 in Grand Slam singles finals after winning the first set. #AusOpen

— Nikhila (@kokudum) January 28, 2017

Venus escapes

Venus Williams saves three break points on her serve to get the game to deuce. 

She closes the game out with a forehand winner down the line. Five straight points won by Venus and a very crucial hold for the 36-year-old.

Two holds to start off the second set

A less chaotic starts to the second set as both players hold with relative ease. 1-1.

Here’s a look at the stats from the first set of the women’s final

#Serena gets the 1st set over #Venus #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/zBvYJE3AOG

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

Serena Williams wins 1st set

Serena wins the opening set 6-4 in 41 minutes over Venus. The World No 2 is a set away from her 23rd Grand Slam title.

Serena seals it with an ace

Serena steps out to serve for the first set.

She wins the opening two points and then hits an ace out wide to make it 40-0.

THREE SET POINTS for Serena. 

Another ace down the tee and she seals the opening set 6-4.

Venus holds for 5-4

Venus digs herself out a 0-30 hole with two winners – one a blazing forehand and the other a cross court backhand.

She then comes up with a solid serve that Serena can’t get over the net. 

Another good serve and Venus holds for 5-4.

Serena surges ahead 5-3

Three straight games for Serena! She is hitting the ball cleanly now and has more aces that double faults. 

One game away from taking the opening set.

Serena BREAKS, leads 4-3

Serena sneaks into the net at 30-30 and handles a tricky volley to earn break point. Serena then hits a backhand winner down the line to lead 4-3. Great response from Serena after a frustrating opening 10 minutes for her.

Serena gets her 1st hold

Nice and quick from the World No 2 as he looks more settled right now. She holds for 3-3.

Venus holds for 3-2

The 36-year-old gets the first hold of the Australian Open 2017 final. It just took 23 minutes into the match for that.

Intriguing start. Serena's serve not at its best, which is what Venus needs to have a shot. 4 games. 4 breaks.

— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) January 28, 2017

Venus breaks right back, 2-2

Two double faults from Serena back-to-back and Venus with the advantage.

Serena then comes up with a perfect ace down the tee to make it deuce again. 

The next two points go Venus’ way, and we have the fourth straight break of serve.

The racquet smash! Serena demolished her stick.

Court = 1, Racquet = 0 #Serena vs #Venus #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/If59ZX0bYD

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2017

No service holds yet, Serena leads 2-1

Venus is also stretched to deuce on her 2nd service game. 

Serena Williams destroys her racquet after a net cord from Venus that makes it deuce for a second time. Serena looking frustrated early on. 

Venus nets a few easy volleys and she gets broken. A very scrappy start to the match.

Serena broken and it’s 1-1

Long game on Serena’s serve as she hits a double fault and it eventually goes to deuce. A flying ground strokes and it’s 1-1.

Venus Williams starts proceedings by serving first.

Serena goes up 0-30 and then Venus hits an ace down the tee. 

Serena brings up two break points by winning the next one and then breaks serve with a wonderful forehand return. 1-0 to the younger sister.

Head-to-head record:

Serena leads Venus 16-11

In Grand Slam finals, Serena leads 6-2

Both the players are out on court and have warmed up!

The final is about to start in a few minutes. Stay tuned for regular uodates.

Australian Open 2017: Watch all 8 Serena vs Venus Williams Grand Slam finals at a glancehttp://www.firstpost.com

Before the final starts, catch us preview the all-Williams final live on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/firstpostin/

Australian Open 2017, women’s final preview: Serena and Venus Williams’ 28th career clash sets lofty standardshttp://www.firstpost.com

First up, in an hour’s time, it’s the women’s singles final!

No. 2 Serena Williams vs No. 13 Venus Williams 

Following that, is the men’s doubles final

4th seeds Henri Kontinen/John Peers vs 3rd seeds Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Australian Open!

It’s Day 13 at the Melbourne Park and we have two finals coming up.