Serena claims Aussie open in classic

Serena Williams secured her fifth Austraian Open title with a hard-fought three-set victory over Justine Henin in Melbourne.

The American, the winner of the tournament in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2009, has now made it five Aussie titles to add to her three Wimbledon titles, three successes at the US Open and one French Open championship.

But she was made to work for her latest success by the Belgian, who was playing her first Grand Slam and just her second event since taking a self-imposed 18-month break from the sport.

The first set was an even affair with both players securing a break of serve but Williams grabbed a second break at 5-4 to take the set.

If the American fans thought their heroine was then going to run away with the match they were very much mistaken as Henin broke the Williams' serve three times in the second set to level affairs.

However the 12-time major winner was too strong in the deciding set and powered to a 6-4 3-6 6-2 victory in two hours and seven minutes.

Henin was hoping to emulate her compatriot Kim Clijsters, who won the US Open in her comeback tournament after nearly two years away from the sport, but she came up just short in what was one of the best Australian Open finals for years.

Henin will now focus her attentions on Roland Garros as she will head to the French Open with four clay-court Grand Slam titles already in her pocket.