The phrase “Chasing History” has been commonly used in virtually every major tournament that Serena Williams competes in. And it seems with every title won comes even greater historical significance. With one additional major title, she would equal Steffi Graf with a total of 22. But Angelique Kerber did not get that memo, and in a topsy-turvy Australian Open loaded with upsets, it was appropriate that Kerber would upset the American. She did just that, winning the 2016 Australian Open, 6-4 3-6 6-4.

Kerber sent a message right out of the gate that she was going to be a factor as she quickly broke the big-hitting Williams’ serve to gain an advantage. Much like performances seen from Serena in 2015, she started slowly only to heat up, equaling the set. However, Kerber promptly broke the American again and closed out the first set.

The German had forced Williams into a number of errors in the first set with a game plan centered around steady play, counterpunching, and taking aggressive shots when they opened. The world No. 1 seemed rushed at times during that set, but she seemed to settle down in the second set and showed patience during rallies. She would quickly run out to a 3-1 advantage. It appeared as though Serena would dig her way out as she equaled the match, taking the second set.

In the third set, though, it looked like it would be Kerber’s night as she turned pressure points in her favor, including some dramatic winners that led to an early break of service. Later in the set, as the intensity picked up and the crowd was buzzing, Williams would fight back as she earned her service break back. But she was unable to hold off the seventh seed, who played the match of her life in fending off the Williams assault to break serve once more and move one step closer to the finish line. As Kerber attempted to serve for the title, nerves and a final push by Williams gave the world No. 1 a chance to serve to even the match. However, serving at 4-5, the 34-year-old’s fortunes quickly turned from a game point to a match point for the German, and Kerber would not be denied.

An emotional Kerber, who overcame a match point in the first round, put the fortnight in perspective. “I was with one leg in the plane for Germany,” she said. “I take my chance to be here in the final and play against Serena. My dream come true tonight, on this night. My whole life I was working so hard, and now I can say that I’m a Grand Slam champion… it sounds so crazy.” She continued, “This is the best two weeks of my life, my career. I had goosebumps when I was playing on the court.”

Fighting off tears, Williams would congratulate her opponent afterwards, saying “You did so well, let me be the first to congratulate you. You truly played so well in the moment.”

Williams did not help herself with a subpar night serving, placing just 53 percent of her first serves in play and striking six double faults. However, Kerber’s 25 winners to go with just 13 unforced errors against the power game of the veteran were key.

With the victory, Kerber should move up to world No. 2, her highest career ranking. Meanwhile, Williams will turn her focus to Roland Garros in the spring to continue her pursuit of Graf.