Wimbledon ladies’ final: Serena Williams takes third Grand Slam of 2015
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Tournament favourite Serena Williams survived two slumps to secure a sixth Wimbledon ladies’ singles crown and 21st Grand Slam title, becoming holder of all four major tennis honours at the same time for the second time in her career.
The WTA world number one ran out a straight sets (6-4 6-4) winner against maiden finalist and 20th seed Garbine Muguruza of Spain in 83 minutes.
“There was definitely pressure towards the end,” said Williams. “Garbine started playing really well and I just had to think to stay out there and work really hard. I am having so much fun out on the court. Everyday is a pleasure to be playing and winning Wimbledon.”
Muguruza had an early glimmer when she took the opening game on Serena’s serve with a fourth break point and her lauded American opponent uncharacteristically sloppy, serving three double faults. The first set turned in game six, however, when Williams broke back.
Two further breaks of surprise Spanish package Muguruza’s serve followed, so Serena wrapped up the opener 6-4 in 44 minutes. The second set looked to be going the same way, with two further breaks bringing Williams to the brink at 5-1.
Serena then wobbled by losing when initially serving for the championship, and was twice broken back by a rallying Muguruza, who saved championship point in a topsy-turvy ninth game.
Williams responded. however, with yet another break of her own to take the title and go one Grand Slam behind Open Era record holder Steffi Graf. She achieves the so-called ‘Serena slam’, holding all four major titles simultaneously, again after Williams last achieved this a dozen years ago.
Muguruza’s magnificent run to this stage was a real achievement and, although she came up short, the 21-year-old looks to have all the attributes to take titles in the future. As Rafael Nadal and the men’s game in Spain seems in decline somewhat, there’s hope in the form of this young woman.
The last word inevitably and rightly goes to Williams. What price on the calendar year or golden Grand Slam? Serena is a short-price 5/4 favourite to defend the US Open and equal Graf in Flushing Meadows come the summer’s end.
