Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams take Australian Open crowns

After a compelling two weeks Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams took the men’s and ladies crowns at Flinders Park in Melbourne.

Serena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets and has defeated her in sixteen of the eighteen times they have played each other. This Grand Slam win also lifted her to nineteen Grand Slam wins which is only a couple short of Steffi Graf.

Djokovic and Williams start as favourites for the Australian Open

Australian Open begins

The Australian Open takes place in Melbourne and is the first of the four Grand Slams to be held each year with the other three held in Paris, London and New York. The tournament was first held in 1905 and up until 1988 was played on grass before the change to a hard court. The finals are held in the Rod Laver Arena. Roger Federer, Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic have won the title a record four times and Margaret Court has won the Ladies title a record eleven times.

Li Na Retires From Tennis

China’s Li Na announces retirement from the sport

Two time grand slam winner Li Na has retired from tennis following persistent knee problems.

The former world number two has become a leading role model in China having won both the French Open in 2011 and Australian Open in 2014, however has not played since a third round exit in this year’s Wimbledon championship.