Serena Williams Ties Mentor Billie Jean King With 12th Grand Slam Title

Tennis phenomenon Serena Williams made history Saturday by tying Billie Jean King in her fifth Australian Open title.

"I feel really special that I was able to tie Billie Jean King," Williams told reporters. "Because in my heart of hearts, I've been going for it and I haven't been able to quite achieve it. Billie Jean is a really big mentor of mine."

According to the Wall Street Journalthe defending champion, 28, beat Justine Henin in three sets (6-4 3-6 6-2) at Melbourne Park to gain her 12th major in all, tying her longtime mentor. Williams withstood a determined challenge from Henin before securing her fifth Australian Open title overall.

King was among the crowd and Williams was able to catch up with her after the match.

"I didn't speak to Billie about it (beforehand), but after we talked," she said. "We took a picture. I was excited. I said, 'I tied you.' But what an honor."

"Billie Jean is a really big mentor of mine. She was a Fed Cup coach at one time, which was super cool. We had so much fun," she added.

"I still think that when she plays her best, she's the best ever," King, 66, told reporters about Williams at Melbourne Park.

Williams's five Australian titles is the most by any woman in the Open Era, since 1968, surpassing the four held by Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong Cawley, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles.

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