Serena Williams completed the 'Serena Slam' by beating sister Venus in three tight sets in the Australian Open final.

The younger sibling triumphed 7-6 3-6 6-4 in Melbourne to become only the fifth player in history to hold all four Major titles at the same time.

In what was the closest ever match played between the pair, Venus' first serve deserted her in the final set and that proved decisive in the end.

She double faulted at 4-5 to hand her sister two match points and then pushed a shot from the baseline long to leave Serena celebrating becoming the first player since Steffi Graf nine years ago to hold all four titles.

With the final being played under the Rod Laver Arena roof for the first time - temperatures topped 40 degrees outside - Venus had served for the first set at 5-4 but was broken and ended up dropping the set on a tie-break.

Serena dominated the breaker and took it by seven points to four.

Only twice in the sisters' previous ten meetings had a final set been forced, but it was on this occasion.

Venus hit back in the second, taking it 6-3 and setting up a thrilling finale.

It was nip and tuck in the decider, but Venus' struggle with her serve ensured she was always under pressure.

Her first-serve percentage dropped as low as 35, but still she saved five break points at 3-4, showing nerves of steel.

But she couldn't repeat the heroics in her next service game and Venus lost a fourth consecutive Grand Slam final.

A tearful Serena, who also becomes only the ninth player in history to win all four Grand Slam events, said afterwards: "I am not normally so emotional. 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."

A disappointed Venus was more composed.

She said: "I'm really happy with the way I played this week.

"I wish I could have been the winner today but you've a great champion with Serena.

"Now she's won all four Grand Slams which is something I'd like to do one day."