Germany's star celebrated her stunning Australian Open final victory over Serena Williams by taking a swim in the Yarra river next to Rod Laver Arena yesterday
Melbourne: Angelique Kerber celebrated her stunning Australian Open final victory over Serena Williams by taking a swim in the Yarra river next to Rod Laver Arena yesterday.
New Australian Open women's champion Angelique Kerber of Germany makes a splash in the chilly Yarra River in Melbourne yesterday, a day after her shock upset victory over World No 1 Serena Williams of America in the final of the year's first Grand Slam. The 28-year-old won 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Pics/getty images
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Kerber, who also sprayed champagne and posed with the trophy at Melbourne's Government House, took the chilly plunge along with members of her team.
The stunt has echoes of Jim Courier's celebration in 1992 when he dived in the Yarra, which flows through downtown Melbourne and past the tennis venue, after winning the men's title.
With Saturday's 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Williams, the World No 1 and a 21-time Grand Slam winner, Kerber, 28, secured her first major title and jumped from sixth to second in the women's rankings.
Australian press trumpeted the victory, with Melbourne's Herald Sun headlining "Ker-blimey!" and "Angel's in heaven", calling it "one of the greatest upsets in a Grand Slam".
"The best two weeks of my life and career. I had goose bumps here on the centre court when I was playing," Kerber said after the final.
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Nico Rosberg
Wishes pour in
Her win sparked celebrations in Germany, with a host of stars offering congratulations including Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Formula One driver Nico Rosberg.
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