Serena inspired by sister's memory

MELBOURNE, Jan 27 (Melbourne): One word motivated Serena Williams to win her third Australian Open title today -- 'Yetunde'. The memory of her elder sister Yetunde Price, who was shot dead in Los Angeles in September 2003, drove Williams to blow away top seed Maria Sharapova 6-1 6-2 in the women's final.

The American is often seen consulting notes during the changeovers in matches, but on Saturday she needed no further tactical reminders.

''Every match I write notes. Today my note was just Yetunde,'' said the 25-year-old, who will rocket to 14th from 81st in the rankings.

''Usually I write, 'look at the ball, move forward, do this, do that.' Today I just had one word.

''Every changeover I looked at it and I just thought of how happy she would have been, how much she always supported me.

''I just thought about what an amazing sister she was to me.

''I just said, 'Serena, this has to be motivating. This has to be more than enough to motivate me,' and I think it was.'' Williams broke down in tears during Saturday's presentation ceremony as she dedicated her win to Yetunde.

She also explained why she was unable to talk about her sister the last time she triumphed here in 2005.

''It was definitely too raw then. I couldn't even get one word about her then. My sister was the ultimate human being, she was so nice. Nicest person you'll ever meet.

''I told myself a couple of days ago that if I win this event, this would be for her.''

REUTERS