Champ caps title quest with murky plunge

MELBOURNE, Australia – Angelique Kerber has gone where at least one brave soul before her has – for a quick swim in the murky Yarra River after winning the Australian Open.

Kerber’s upset three-set victory over Serena Williams on Saturday was followed by a Sunday morning plunge in the river near Rod Laver Arena.

She then went for her official trophy photos at a nearby park and gardens.

Jim Courier, who is doing television work during this tournament, took plunges in the Yarra after his victories in 1992 and 1993. After his second dip, he was reported to have developed a stomach virus.

The river winds its way through the center of Melbourne and while it is popular with wildlife, boat tours and rowing teams, the water quality leaves plenty to be desired.

Andy Murray has played through the Australian Open knowing that at any moment he would have to pull out and go to London for the birth of his first child.

His wife Kim is not due until early February and there has been no sign of early labor.

Hopefully it’ll stay that way prior to Sunday’s final when he faces Novak Djokovic, who has inflicted three of Murray’s four final defeats at Melbourne Park.

Murray has a practice session two hours ahead of the final as he targets his first Australian Open final win at the fifth attempt.

The mixed doubles final between Coco Vandeweghe and Horia Tecau and Elena Vesnina and Bruno Soares precedes the singles final. Soares won the men’s doubles title Saturday with Jamie Murray, Andy’s brother.