Australian Open 2016: Angelique Kerber upsets Serena Williams to win a dramatic final

Angelique Kerber produced a stunning performance against Serena Williams to upset the world number one in the final of the Australian Open in Melbourne. The 28-year-old German delivered the most impressive display of her career to win a dramatic match on Rod Laver Arena in three sets (6-4 3-6 6-4).

The unfancied German became the first woman to beat Williams in the final of the Australian Open, in an action-packed match that lasted more than two hours. Victory also moves Kerber up to number two in the latest world rankings.

Kerber delivered an emotion-filled interview in her post-match speech, admitting she could not believe she had become a grand slam winner. "I was match point down in the first match and I had one leg on the plane back to Germany. I got a second chance and I'm so honoured," she said. "It's my dream come. I worked for this my whole life. Now I can say I'm a grand slam champion. That sounds crazy."

Meanwhile, the runner-up was quick to congratulate her opponent in her post-match interview. "Angie – congratulations. You deserve this and I'm so happy for you. I really hope you enjoy this moment," Williams said. "It was remarkably fun and I really enjoyed all of this."

Williams was, of course, a strong pre-match favourite to beat her lesser-known rival. But Kerber did not display any nerves in her first appearance in a grand slam final, producing an assured performance to win the opening set (6-4).

However, Williams quickly recovered her composure, using her power and precision ground strokes to storm back into the match. The American secured the second set in emphatic fashion, taking it 6-3.

But Kerber was not to be denied her first grand slam career title. The German broke her opponent's serve in the last game of the match to seal the final set (6-4).