Kerber secures maiden Grand Slam final berth

Published by AAP

Angelique Kerber celebrates her win over Konta
Angelique Kerber has secured a place in her first Grand Slam final

German Angelique Kerber has advanced to her maiden grand slam final at the Australian Open where she will take on the might of history-chasing Serena Williams.

The seventh-seeded Kerber needed one hour and 22 minutes to end the fairytale run of unseeded Australian-born Brit Johanna Konta 7-5 6-2.

But Kerber will still start as a huge underdog in Saturday’s title match against Williams, who has won all six of the Australian Open finals she has contested, including last year’s decider against Maria Sharapova.

Victory for Williams will see her draw level with German great Steffi Graf on 22 majors, two behind the all-time mark of 24 held by Australian legend Margaret Smith Court.

“I’m really looking forward to playing against Serena in the final,” Kerber said.

“The No.1 player in the world at the first grand slam of the season, it’s amazing.

“I’m really looking forward to taking this challenge and I must play my best tennis.”

The American needed only 64 minutes to down No.4 seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-0 6-4 in the first semi on Thursday, extending her imposing career record over the Pole to 9-0.

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