Last Updated: Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:50
Serena Williams said she felt 'really special' after drawing level with Billie-Jean King in the all-time Grand Slam winners' list.
The 28-year-old spoke out following her 6-4 3-6 6-2 Australian Open final success against Justine Henin in Melbourne on Saturday which saw her reach 12 Grand Slam singles titles.
Williams has now claimed five Aussie titles to add to her three Wimbledon titles, three successes at the US Open and one French Open championship. And she was overjoyed to move level with her 'big mentor' King who watched the action unfold at the Rod Laver Arena.
"I feel really special that I was able to tie Billie Jean King," said Williams.
"In my heart of hearts, I've been going for it and I haven't been able to quite achieve it."
She added: "I didn't speak to Billie about it (beforehand), but after we talked. We took a picture. I was excited. I said, 'I tied you.' But what an honour.
"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."