SERENA Williams has beaten Angelique Kerber of Germany and secured her 22nd Grand Slam title – making history by drawing her level with Steffi Graf as the joint-most successful women in tennis in the Open Era.
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Serena Williams was able to rely on adrenaline from her Wimbledon singles title win to help her claim the ladies doubles championship with sister Venus on Saturday.
The Williams sisters now have a remarkable 14-0 record when playing doubles together in Grand Slam finals.
“It’s been incredibly hard not to think about it. I had a couple of tries this year”, said Williams, who went back on court later to win the doubles title with older sister Venus. “Even when I’m not winning, it doesn’t, because it makes me want to work harder so I can come out and hold up titles”. It was getting down to the pressure”, – said Serena, who speaking in detail about that US Open semifinal added: “I don’t think it shook me.
This was Williams’ seventh singles trophy at the All England Club – only Martina Navratilova, with nine, has more – and her second in a row.
Earlier Saturday, Serena had defeated Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 in the women’s singles final.
At the 2009 U.S. Open, Williams was fined $175,000 and placed on a two-year probation for unsportsmanlike behaviour after being defaulted in the semi-final against Kim Clijsters.
Serena Williams showed why she will eventually end her career as the greatest player of all time.
“I thought, “Wow, this break is really important”.
Beyonce, in Serena’s box alongside her husband Jay Z, also appeared to miss the moment – but she was up on her feet much quicker than Venus was.
From there, Williams dominated in the second set, putting home two aces in her final service game, and sealing victory with a powerful backhand to take home the title. “If you get in your auto, it might be the last time I see you, ‘” Williams asked. If I can just play my game, I know I have a really good chance at winning this match.’ Her humilty, her fight for equal prize money inspired many people. She volleyed well, too, winning the point on 16 of 22 trips to the net, including a tap-in on match point.
At the age of 34, Williams does not look like she has lost a step.
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A victory there will put her just one Grand Slam win away from tying the all-time Championship mark of 24 set by Australian Margaret Court. She played really well. “I do have nephews that I’m thinking, Do I have to call them and tell them: ‘Don’t go outside.’?”
