Serena Williams denied grand slam history after Angelique Kerber claims maiden Wimbledon crown
ANGELIQUE Kerber has shattered Serena Williams’ quest for history, smothering the American in a lopsided Wimbledon final to ensure Margaret Court’s grand slam record of 24 majors remains unmatched.
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ANGELIQUE Kerber has shattered Serena Williams’ quest for history, smothering the American in a lopsided Wimbledon final.
The German methodically dismantled Williams 6-3 6-3 in just 65 minutes, ensuring Margaret Court’s grand slam record of 24 majors remains unmatched.
Watched from the Royal Box by Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, Williams self-destructed with 24 unforced errors to Kerber’s five.
Contesting her fourth tournament since childbirth in September, the 23-time major winner simply under-performed.
“It was a such an amazing tournament for me, I was really happy to get this far,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion.
“It’s obviously disappointing but I can’t be disappointed.
“I’m just literally getting started.
“For all the mums out there, I was playing for you.
“Angelique played out of her mind. She’s a very good friend and I feel happy for her. It’s amazing for her.”
It is only the seventh time in 30 finals Williams has come up short — and the third time at Wimbledon, where she is a seven-time champion.
And Kerber, whose relentless running and mental doggedness was supreme, has now done it twice.
The left-hander deservedly jubilated after lifting a third major to sit alongside the 2016 Australian and US Open trophies.
“It’s just a dream come true again,” Kerber said.
“Serena, you are such an inspiration for all of us and everybody watching.
“I’m sure you will have your next grand slam trophy really soon.”
Williams denied the German in the ‘16 Wimbledon but she was never a chance against a revealingly inspired opponent.
As Williams blundered regulation shots, Kerber found the chalk with chilling frequency to become Germany’s first women’s champion since Steffi Graf in 1996.
Kerber put Williams on notice from the outset, using defence to break serve in the opening game before leading 2-0.
Far from being a minor blimp, as it initially seemed to be as Williams reeled off the next three games, it became a trend as her groundstrokes malfunctioned.
Struggling to find rhythm and animation, Williams was on the brink after more unforced errors armed Kerber with a 4-2 lead in the second set.
Almost inevitably, Kerber sealed victory with a Williams’ mishit.
Williams, who was bidding to become the first mother to triumph at Wimbledon since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980, was supported from the Royal Box by Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton.
Their presence made no difference as Williams’ unravelled on serve.
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Originally published as Serena Williams denied grand slam history after Angelique Kerber claims maiden Wimbledon crown