History was on the line for Serena Williams in the final of Wimbledon. The world number one was seeking a record tying 22nd major crown, a mark that would see her equal Steffi Graf's record for Grand Slams in the Open Era. The American has been snake-bitten lately, since winning her 21st title, she has failed in her last three attempts to get to that elusive 22nd, and that included an upset at the hands of Angelique Kerber at the Australian Open. And the German would look to deny her again in the championship match at the All-England club.
LONDON, July 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Serena Williams of the United States celebrates during the women's singles final with Angelique Kerber of Germany on Day 12 at The Championships Wimbledon 2016 in London, Britain on July 9, 2016. Serena Williams won 2-0.(Xinhua/Han Yan)
This is the first meeting between the pair, since the lefty beat the American in Melbourne, and the German once again takes it to the defending champion, getting the forehand winner down the line.
Miss B and Hova in attendance. (Beyonce and Jay-Z for the unhip)
Serena though would earn a break in the 11th game, and that gives her the chance to serve things out, and does so when Kerber's return cannot clear the net. 7-5 the scoreline.
LONDON, July 9, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Serena Williams of the United States celebrates with her trophy after the women's singles final with Angelique Kerber of Germany on Day 12 at The Championships Wimbledon 2016 in London, Britain on July 9, 2016. Serena Williams won 2-0. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)
The 28-year-old Kerber did put up a fight in the second as well, grabbing this point at the net, as Serena tries valianty to return the ball before slipping.
But the world number one would be able to get a break during that game, and that put her on the brink of history -- and after a simple volley into the open court seals victory 7-5, 6-3. Her seventh Wimbledon title. And has won nine of the past 17 majors since appointing Frenchman Patrick Mouratoglou as coach in 2012.
Americans beat Babos & Shvedova 6-3, 6-4 in title match
Five hours after winning her singles title, Serena and older sister Venus Williams would play Timea Babos and Yaroslava Shvedova in the women's doubles final. Venus doing all the heavy-lifting on this point before Serena smashes home a couple balls at the net to take the first set 6-3.
We are on serve at 3-all in the second, when the Williams, grab a break when Shvedova hits this forehand into the net.
Off to match point, with Venus serving, and the Americans are able to grab victory when Serena puts away the volley at the net --- it is their sixth doubles title at SW19.
