Melbourne  - Women's sporting rich-list leader Serena Williams could widen the earnings gap between herself and retired Swedish golfer Annika Sorenstam with a fourth Australian Open title.

Williams, winner of nine majors in a decade, moved into the position of all-time top female earner by reaching the singles final. She also began lifting her total of nearly 23 million dollars by claiming a third Melbourne doubles title with her sister Venus.

Beating Dinara Safina in the singles showdown would pile on around 700,000 extra dollars.

"I'm thrilled with the news. I remember earning my first cheque of 240 dollars at Quebec City in 1995, and while I knew that I could have a great career in tennis, I could not have imagined or dreamed of all of this," said Williams.

"It's amazing how much women's tennis has grown since I joined the Tour 14 years ago. I am very proud to have reached this milestone for me, my family and all women athletes out there. This achievement really shows that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything."

Williams holds 32 singles titles and now has 15 doubles titles. (dpa)