History was made at the Australian Open today when Serena Williams completed what she considers a genuine Grand Slam with yet another victory over sister Venus.
The 21-year-old choked back the tears after she joined exalted company with a hard-fought 7-6 (7/4) 3-6 6-4 triumph under the roof in the Rod Laver Arena.
The Australian Open trophy was the only one missing from the Williams mantelpiece and came on the back of victories at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open last year.
While the statisticians may not recognise Williams as a traditional Grand Slam winner, the world number one insisted otherwise.
"You can say I am because in order to win four in a row you have to be pretty serious," she said.
"I think anyone would want to say that they were if they won four in a row, whether it was one year or not. They're back to back, it's definitely very tough."
Only Maureen Connolly, Margaret Court and Steffi Graf managed to win a calendar Grand Slam.
But what Williams does share with the illustrious trio, and Martina Navratilova, is the feat of winning four majors on the bounce.
"I am not normally so emotional," she said. "I dreamed of being the best and doing the best. I had a lot of opposition; it hasn't always been easy for me.
"I am making history right now, it doesn't happen every day. The last person was Steffi Graf and I am just really happy to be able to do that.
"It definitely feels really special to be mentioned alongside Maureen Connolly. I've always looked at her story. That's super special.
"I have always looked up to them, I am not sure I can accomplish everything they have but to be in their category is really amazing.
"Only a handful of people have been able to do it, it's a really special feeling.
"It was just really difficult. She was not going away. She hit so many big serves. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to be able to pull it out. I just said: 'Serena, fight, fight' and thankfully I was able to pull through."
PA