Serena Williams pulled off a record-equaling 22nd Grand Slam title following a 7-5 6-3 conquest of Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon title-clash. This was her seventh triumph at the All England Club.
The top-seeded American needed just one hour and 18 minutes to shrug off a strong challenge from her fourth-seeded German nemesis, who had surprised her in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
Serena made an imposing start to the first set as her brute power and frequent net approach made life difficult for Kerber. Even as the latter somehow managed to go neck-to-neck until 5-5, a forehand forced error helped the former to acquire a set-winning break at 6-5.
The duo continued to put on a solid performance on serve as the second set was locked up at 3 games all. An unforced backhand error from Kerber, however, handed a crucial break to Serena at 4-3 up, who capitalized by holding for love before performing a winning twirl.
“Angelique is such a great opponent; she really brings out great tennis in me. Thank you for being that great person,” said Serena, who scored 39 winners against her opponent’s 12.
The 34-year-old American now joins the legendary Steffi Graf with 22 titles in the list of most Grand Slam triumphs, behind only Margaret Court’s 24.
“It’s been incredibly difficult not to think about it (matching Graf’s record). I had a couple of tries this year and lost to great opponents, one of them being Angelique (the other Garbine Muguruza at French Open),” Serena added of her two failed attempts this season.
“It makes the victory even sweeter knowing how hard I had to work for it.”
