A philosophical Venus Williams revealed she was grateful to be out competing in a grand slam final again despite her loss to Serena.
Serena moved to her 23rd title after a straight set win in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne Park on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Venus – who had not played in a grand slam final since 2009 where she lost to her sister – was happy to be back on the big stage.
“It was great to have an opportunity to play for the title,” the 36-year-old said in her post-match press conference.
“That’s exactly where I want to be standing during these Grand Slams, is on finals day, having an opportunity. That’s the highlight of all this, is to be in that moment.
“I don’t think I felt at all awkward. I felt ready. I mean, I haven’t played in a final for a number of years, but I don’t think it’s something you forget. I mean, I played a good amount of ’em, so…
“I feel like I had opportunities…I just missed some shots. But it’s not like I missed shots that I wasn’t going for. I went for those shots. It’s a matter of inches.
“Some errors here or there can mean the difference between a break of serve or a hold.”
In terms of Serena’s record breaking win, Venus reminded everyone that her sister isn’t done yet…
“It’s a great number,” said Venus of Serena’s 23 slams.
“I know she would like to have a little more. Who wouldn’t? It was a great moment. I’m very happy that she’s been able to, you know, get to No.23 because there’s 22 ahead of that that she also earned, and she earned it.”