Serena Williams thanks "encouraging" coach Patrick Mouratoglu

Australian Open champion Serena Williams has paid homage to her coach Patrick Mouratoglu for giving her the belief to win her 19th Grand Slam.

Williams beat Maria Sharapova in straight sets in Melbourne, and the 33-year-old claims that Mouratoglu was key to her success.

She told reporters: "You know, there's some times when a player doesn't believe in themselves. Even me, I feel like, 'Gosh, I'm not going to be able to beat this person. I'm not going to be able to play well. I don't feel confident in this shot today. I don't feel confident in that.'

"He really stood up this past two weeks, even hitting and doing things that he's never done before, just really encouraging and giving me great strategy on the court before every match, wonderful strategies, what to do, what to expect, as well as how to play a better game, not for today but for tomorrow."

Williams is already planning her assault on the French Open in May.