Kerber takes a victory plunge in the Yarra

The stunt has echoes of Jim Courier's celebration in 1992 when he dived in the Yarra, which flows through downtown Melbourne and past the tennis venue, after winning the men's title.

Angelique Kerber swims in the Yarra river.

Angelique Kerber celebrated her stunning Australian Open final victory over Serena Williams by taking a swim in the Yarra River next to Rod Laver Arena on Sunday.

Kerber, who also sprayed champagne and posed with the trophy at Melbourne's Government House, took the chilly plunge along with members of her team.

The stunt has echoes of Jim Courier's celebration in 1992 when he dived in the Yarra, which flows through downtown Melbourne and past the tennis venue, after winning the men's title.

With Saturday's 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Williams, the world number one and a 21-time Grand Slam winner, Kerber, 28, secured her first major title and jumped from sixth to second in the women's rankings.

Australian press trumpeted the victory, with Melbourne's Herald Sun headlining "Ker-blimey!" and "Angel's in heaven", calling it "one of the greatest upsets in a Grand Slam".

"The best two weeks of my life and career. I had goose bumps here on the centre court when I was playing," Kerber said after the final.

Her win sparked celebrations in Germany, with a host of stars offering congratulations including Manchester United's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Formula One driver Nico Rosberg.