Serena Williams has become the third oldest player in the history of women’s tennis to reach a grand slam final after cruising past Julia Goerges 6-2, 6-4, at The Wimbledon Championships.
Williams, 36, showed no signs of rustiness as she dictated play against her German rival despite playing in only her fourth tournament since giving birth. The occasion was very much a meeting of two worlds. Goerges, who also lost to Williams at the French Open, was contesting her first grand slam semifinal at the age of 29. Gunning after her 11th main draw win at Wimbledon. In contrast, 25th seed Williams was taking part in her 35th as she strolled to victory number 92. It was the experience, as well as power, that prevailed as the former champion hit five aces and 16 winners to only seven unforced errors.
“It’s crazy.” Williams said during her post-match interview. “I didn’t expect to do this well in my fourth tournament back after 16 months.
“I just feel like I don’t have anything to lose. I can just play so free. That’s kind of what I am doing.”
The telling factor in the American-German clash was Williams’ ability to hit the ball deep towards the baseline. Constantly forcing Goerges to go on the defensive throughout their encounter. At first, it appeared that the match would be level pegging with Goerges illustrating some of her fiercest play. Only to eventually come undone in the sixth game after a 11-shot rally concluded with an error from the Germany. Elevating Williams to a 4-2 lead. In pole position, the 23-time grand slam champion closed out the first set after just 33 minutes of play. Converting her first set point at the expense of another error from her rival.
Williams continued to apply the pressure throughout set number two. In what was a case of deja Vu, she once again worked her way to a 4-2 lead. This time benefiting from a Goerges backhand the touched the top of the net, but failed to go over. Racing to a game away from the win, the nerves started to hinder Williams. Leading 6-2, 5-3, a determined Goerges battled back to break with the help of some emphatic shot-making. Reviving her chances. Despite Williams’ blip, the match soon came to an anti-climatic ending. In the following game, four consecutive Goerges unforced errors move the American into her 10th Wimbledon final.
“This was not inevitable for me.” Williams commented about her run to the final. “I’ve had a really tough pregnancy delivery. I’ve had to have multiple surgeries and almost didn’t make it, to be honest.
I couldn’t even walk to my mailbox. It’s definitely not normal for me to be in a Wimbledon final. So I’m taking everything as it is and enjoying every moment.”
2016 rematch beckons
A win away from equalling Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles, Williams will lock horns with Angelique Kerber in the final. Kerber breezed through her semi-final match with a straightforward win over Jelena Ostapenko. It will be a repeat of the 2016 final when Williams dismissed Kerber 7-5, 6-3. Although the German believes their upcoming encounter will be different.
“I think it is a completely new match. I think we both have learned a lot. She’s coming back. Also, I’m coming back from 2017.” Said Kerber.
“I know that I have to play my best tennis to beat her, especially on the grass, on the Centre Court, where she won so many titles here.”
“I’m looking forward to playing against her. I mean, it’s always an honour to play against her.”
Williams has a 6-2 head-to-head record against Kerber on the tour. Although one of those losses occurred in the final of the 2016 Australian Open. Previewing the upcoming clash, the former champion has paid tribute to Kerber.
“She’s clearly a really good grass-court player. She’s been going in the draw really well. I’ve been watching her matches. I love watching her play.” She said.
“Whatever happens (in the final), it has been an incredible effort for me. It is good motivation for me to keep going throughout the rest of my career.”
At the age of 36 years and 291 days, Williams in the third oldest player to have ever reached a major final. Sister Venus and Martina Navratilova has both contested one after turning 37.
The women’s final will take place on Saturday afternoon.
