Serena makes it 22

 

Originally published on 09/07/16 00:00

In a rematch of the Australian Open final earlier this year, which Kerber won to lift her first Grand Slam title, Williams reversed the result with a 7-5 6-3 victory on Centre Court. The world No.1 hit 39 winners, including 13 aces to win a high-quality final in an hour and 21 minutes.

In winning her 22nd major title, Williams has equalled Steffi Graf's mark and is just two short of Margaret Court's all-time record of 24.

"It's such a great feeling to be out here. I love playing Angelique she really brings out the best tennis in me," said Williams, who has reached all three Grand Slam finals in 2016 but lost the French Open final to Garbine Muguruza.

“It has been incredibly difficult not to think about [Graf's record]. I had a couple of tries this year lost to a couple of great opponents but it makes the victory even sweeter to know how hard I worked for it."

Kerber, who was bidding to become the first German Wimbledon champion since Graf in 1996, had reached the final without dropping a set but she struggled to make any inroads on Williams' serve.

“Congratulations to Serena you really deserve the title you are a great champion and a great person," Kerber said during the trophy presentation ceremony. "It’s an honour to play you. We played a great match and you really deserve it.

“Is the best feeling to play here on Centre Court I had the best two weeks here to me it’s an honour to play here on Centre Court.”

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