Wimbledon 2019: Simona Halep thrashes Serena Williams 6-2 6-2 to claim first title
Simona Halep started like a whirlwind and never let up as she blew Serena Williams off the court in 55 minutes to claim her first Wimbledon crown. And she had some special praise for an Aussie.
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Harsh lessons of the past, Darren Cahill’s lingering influence and flawless preparation are the drivers behind Simona Halep’s grand slam rebirth.
The Romanian delivered near perfection in a 6-2 6-2 whipping of Serena Williams in the Wimbledon final, committing just three unforced errors against the US colossus.
But as Halep wiped away tears of joy to acknowledge former coach Cahill, she revealed how the heartbreak of three losses in major finals transformed her career.
“The finals I lost in the past helped me for sure to be different when I face this moment,” she said.
“It’s never easy to face a grand slam final. You can get intimidated by the moment. You can get nervous, too nervous.
“I have learned that it’s a normal match, not thinking that much about the trophy, just going there and try to be the best as you can.
“So I did that. I said that every time I would play a final of grand slam, I will do exactly the same thing. So today I did it.”
Halep was beaten in two French Open and an Australian final before breaking through at Roland Garros last year.
“I have to admit I believed more that I’m able to win another one,” she said.
“Once you win one you have the feeling you know how it is. You treat it a little bit easier, let’s say. It’s never easy, but you treat it a little bit easier.
“Yeah, I was motivated after I won the first one that there is another chance for one more.”
One of the prime motivations on Saturday, when she played the match of her life, was Cahill.
The master South Australian coach worked with Halep from 2016-18 before deciding to take this year off from coaching.
At Wimbledon in a commentary role for ESPN, Cahill was courtside at Halep’s pre-match practice.
“Of course, Darren is part of this. I talk with him all the time,” Halep, the first Romanian to win Wimbledon, said.
“He came to see my match again today. His heart is with us.
“Made me a little bit stronger today, honestly, to be able to believe that I have the chance to win.
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“He came to support me and I have no words to thank you and because of you I have learnt how to be a better person on court.”
Halep now works with Daniel Dobre, who presided over a preparation focused on disarming Williams’ ballistic serve.
“I did about 30 minutes only returning. Not practising that much. I knew it was really important to return,” she said.
“I felt like I knew where she was serving. Even if she serve strong, I return the ball.
“I knew that if I put the return back, I have a better chance. I did that. I was focusing on that, and on my serve as well.
“I decided this morning how I have to play against her. I knew exactly what I have to do to put her in trouble, not letting her make her game.”
Halep says Cahill instilled a winner’s mindset, teaching her to compete for every point.
“It was the best match I have ever played,” Halep said.
Williams said: “She literally played out of her mind. When a player plays that amazing then you have to take your hat off and say ‘Well done.”
Last season’s Roland Garros champion completely outplayed Williams to deny the American the 24th major which would have elevated her to parity with Margaret Court.
Since resuming after giving birth to her daughter Olympia in 2017, Williams has lost three consecutive major finals – to Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon and Naomi Osaka at the US Open last year and now Halep.
Originally published as Wimbledon 2019: Simona Halep thrashes Serena Williams 6-2 6-2 to claim first title