Garbine Muguruza has become the second Spanish women in history to win the Wimbledon Championships after fighting her way past a lacklustre Venus Williams 7-5, 6-0, in the final.
The highly anticipated final was predicted to be a close encounter by many pundits at The All England Club. To begin with, it lived up to that expectation before Muguruza ran away with the title at the expense of her error-stricken rival. During the match the Spaniard hit a winner-error ratio of 14-11. A sharp contrast to her rivals figure of 17-25.
“I had the hardest match today I think against Venus. She is such an incredible player. I grew up watching her play. So it is incredible play her in the final.” Muguruza said moments after lifting the Wimbledon trophy.
“I feel incredible (lucky) to play her here.” She later added.
For the first time in Wimbledon history the final took place under shelter as the troublesome whether made an unwelcome appearance at SW19. The atmosphere was electrifying with the noise of fans cheering magnified by the enclosed space, making it feel that there was twice as many people present. Nerves were visible from both payers during the match, but it failed to halt their determination.
Initially, it appeared as if Muguruza was the most fragile player, hitting a series of errors from the forehand side and serving at a slower speed. Yet the Spaniard continued to tame Williams with her aggressive play, forcing the American to hold every one of her service games. The first chance in the match occurred in the sixth game when Williams worked her way to a break point, but failed to convert after a forehand shot from her crashed into the net. A game later it was Muguruza’s turn as she failed to secure a breakthrough in a four-deuce game.
Approaching the business end of the opening set, there was a elevation in form from both players as they hit the ball harder and grunted louder and louder. Twice, Williams had an opportunity to break and clinch the opening set 6-4, but she was denied by some fierce defensive play from Muguruza. Illustrated by a blistering 20-shot exchange between them both, which ended in an error from the 37-year-old.
Muguruza’s resistance soon prevailed as she followed up with a break for 6-5 to serve for the set. Engaged in some heavy-hitting, a breathtaking lob landed into the corner of the net to reward her two set points. Unlike Williams earlier in the match, she was able to capitalize with another lengthy rally concluded with an error from her opponent.
“I think it was very tough. We both had a lot of chances. I am glad that I made (won) it.” Muguruza said about the first set.
Taming the world No.11, Muguruza grew stronger as the errors started to come off of the America’s racket more frequently. A costly double fault from the five-time champion gifted Muguruza yet another break at the start of the second set. Charging towards her second major title, the 23-year-old had all the answers that a rapidly tiring Williams asked of her.
The disparity in experience between the two players was irrelevant. Muguruza was contesting only her second major final compared to Williams, who was participating in her 16th. The painful anticlimax to the final saw an implosion in Williams’ performance as Muguruza strolled to a 5-0 lead with little difficulty. Closing in on her historic achievement, the match was won after a hawk eye challenge concluded that Williams’ shot was out. Prompting a seemingly calm Muguruza to collapse on her knees as tears of joy ran down her face.
“I think it is inside. Of course I am nervous.” Muguruza said about how she felt during the match. “You know I always dreamt to be here (winning the title), so I was composed I guess.”
The 23-year-old emulates her mentor, Conchita Martina. In a somewhat bizarre coincidence, Martinez defeated 37-year-old Martina Navratilova in 1994. She has also become the first player in history to beat both of the Williams sisters in a grand slam final.
“Two years ago (at Wimbledon) I lost in the final to Serena. She told me one day I was going to win. Two years later, here I am.” Muguruza revealed.
Williams pays tribute
The sense of disappointment was clear on Williams’ face during the trophy ceremony. Still, she hasn’t won a major title since 2008. Nevertheless, the 37-year-old praised her conqueror following their clash.
“Congratulations Garbine, amazing. I know how hard you work and I’m sure that this means so much to you and your family. So well done today, beautiful.” Williams commented.
Despite being bageled in a grand slam tournament for the first time since the 2014 US Open, Williams is seeking positives from her run at Wimbledon. Describing the past two weeks as ‘a lot of beautiful moments,’ she believes there will be more chances to come. Indicating that she has no intentions of retiring from the tour anytime soon.
