WIMBLEDON, Great Britain

Women’s Final: [1] Serena Williams (USA) vs. [4] Angelique Kerber (GER)

It was not easy; it was not expected to be.  Kerber had beaten her once already this year at the final of a Major, the Australian Open. Williams had to play quality tennis to defeat the pesky and persistent Kerber.  She was relentless as well in her determination to win; however, Williams had the advantage today of the bigger serve, better net play and mentally being more focused.  Williams had gotten tired of losing in the final.  She was out of the lingering fog of disappointment from losing the US Open semifinal match and played this entire tournament with clarity.  She was still clearly anxious, but she was focused and stuck with her plan of attack.

She only gave Kerber one break point opportunity and she saved it. That was a testament of the effectiveness of her serving today. Williams served it out brilliantly, showing no evidence of the nerves she was feeling.  With the 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Kerber, Williams won her 22^nd Major title.  This win also finally allowed her to tie Steffi Graf’s record.  Now she can focus her energies on catching Margaret Court who has 24.  I will not bet against Serena Williams, I think now that she has tied Graf’s record, the pressure is off and she will relax and play better at the Majors to win three more to pass Margaret Court.

CONGRATULATIONS Serena Williams on achieving your 22^nd Major title!