Serena Williams' hopes of clinching a record-equalling 22nd grand slam title were dashed as Germany's Angelique Kerber pulled off a stunning victory to win the Australian Open.
Williams was chasing German Steffi Graf’s record of 22 majors and her compatriot ensured that the American would have to wait a while longer before she can reach that mark.
Kerber was rank outsider going into the Melbourne final, but she played the match of her life, winning 6-4 3-6 6-4 to claim her first major title.
Completing victory after two hours and eight minutes, Kerber lay outstretched in disbelief on Rod Laver Arena having sealed one of the biggest shocks in tennis history.
Many times Williams, the defending champion has stumbled into a third set before motoring to victory but Kerber halted her opponent's momentum immediately in the decider with a hold and early break.
The crowning moment came when the American failed to put the ball away and as Kerber drove a half-volley pass into the gap, the crowd rose to their feet and the German pointed her finger up to the sky.
It was the sort of point many matches would turn on but Williams is an exceptional case and she recovered immediately to break back and level at 2-2.
Seventh seed Kerber held and then a mammoth 11-minute game ensued at 3-2 which began with Williams taking a hit on the shoulder as the ball kicked up off the net and ended up even more damaging as the German seized the break.
She played two superb drop-shots to save game points and then converted a fifth break point of her own when a Williams backhand flew long.
Kerber held but so did Williams, leaving it to the German to serve for the title at 5-3.
She failed to do so as a backhand drifted out and now it was Williams serving under pressure as she trailed 5-4.
At deuce, Williams put a forehand into the net giving Kerber Championship point and she converted as a backhand flew long, prompting the German to drop to floor in stunned celebration.
She became the first German to win a grand slam title since her childhood idol Graf in 1999.
"My dream came true tonight. My whole life I've been working so hard and now I am here and can say I am a grand slam champion. It sounds really crazy," said Kerber.
"You are really an inspiration for so many people, so many young tennis players," Kerber said.
"You are a great champion, you are an unbelievable, great person so congrats for everything you have done."
While Saturday was Kerber's first grand slam final, Williams was playing in her 25th and, with a beaming smile, she accepted defeat gracefully.
"Angie, congratulations," the 34-year-old American, above left, said.
Kerber became the first woman to save a match point during the tournament and still go on to win the title since Williams did it in 2003 in her semi-final against Kim Clijsters.
She was also the first woman to win the title after being knocked out in the first round the previous year since Kerry Melville Reid in 1977.
"It's been such an up and down two weeks, I was match point down in the first round and had one foot in the plane to Germany," she said.
"Now I have beaten Serena and won the championship. I have so many emotions, so many thoughts, but all of them good ones."
