Muguruza wins Wimbledon

Originally published on 15/07/17 00:00

This afternoon under the Centre Court roof, the Spaniard fulfilled her promise as she defeated Venus Williams 7-5 6-0 to win her second Grand Slam title.

The 23-year-old edged a momentous first set before sprinting to the finishing line and becoming the first Spanish woman to taste success at the All England Club since Conchita Martinez in 1994.

“I had my hardest match today,” admitted Muguruza after her victory. “Venus is such an incredible player and I grew up watching her play so it was amazing to play the final against her.

“Of course I was nervous as I always dreamed of being here, but I was composed. It was very tough [the first set], we both had a lot of chances so I’m glad that I took mine. "I never thought I was just going to win one Slam. Every week consistency is the key and that's what I'm really trying to improve. I think this year I'm making a big step there."

The opener was a fearsome battle between two heavy-hitters with a similar gamestyle. There was little sign of nerves as the pair traded fearsome blows from the baseline however it was Williams who created the first opportunity on her opponent’s delivery.

Muguruza came under sustained pressure in the sixth game but she was fortunate to wriggle free after Williams failed to convert a break-point chance. The American was then forced to cling on to her own delivery as the Spaniard turned the screw, but there was still no significant breakthrough.

The business end of the first set was compelling viewing. The five-time champion was in the ascendancy and she created two set-point opportunities on her opponent’s serve however she was denied by her gutsy rival.

The American appeared disheartened by her inability to make the most of her chances and her forehand began to leak errors at an alarming rate. The Spaniard was a grateful recipient and she raised her fist in defiance after bagging the all-important opener by seven games to five.

Williams cut a forlorn figure at the start of the second set as she struggled to forget the previous disappointment. The American failed to win another game against her youthful and energetic rival as the match reached a rapid conclusion.

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