Angelique Kerber Denies Serena Williams of Making History; Wins her Third Grand Slam

After many shocks, surprises, and upsets, the final was set between Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams—the second time they would play in the Wimbledon final in three years. Williams was chasing history: to tie Margaret Court’s 24 Grand Slam title record. The American, who many call the greatest to ever play the sport, already has the record for most Grand Slam titles in the Open Era, surpassing Steffi Graf’s 22 title record at 2016 Wimbledon.

Who did she beat at Wimbledon that year to surpass the German Graf’s record? Another German, Angelique Kerber, who she would be playing again in the finals. Both are on “comebacks”, but for two totally different reasons—Williams, who had a baby in September of 2017 (and almost died while giving birth) is still on her comeback from maturity leave, this being only her fourth tournament back. Angelique Kerber is coming off a terrible 2017, a season that the German only won 29 matches—she has already won 38 this season. Kerber just couldn’t deal with the pressure of being #1 in 2016, a season that amazed everyone with the German winning two Grand Slams (not to mention a silver medal as well as a Wimbledon final). Getting a new coach and a new attitude, Kerber seems to be back. Will she spoil Williams’ hopes of #24 and win her third Grand Slam? Or will Serena Williams make history (again!)?

The stage was set, and despite the final starting almost an hour and a half after its original time, both ladies seemed to be ready to fight for the title. Williams would serve first, and took a 30-0 lead early on serve. However, Kerber—who’s known for being a backboard— started to do just that, and the American started to mistime the ball as Kerber broke to start the match off errors from her opponent. She would then hold serve easily for a 2-0 lead. Williams then held serve herself, getting a game on the board. Taking the initiative in the Kerber service game and taking advantage of Kerber’s slow second serves, Williams would break back and then hold serve comfortably to make the score 3-2, in the favor of the American.

As the match wore on, though, Williams looked to be getting sluggish. Sloppy footwork helped Kerber hold serve and then break in the next game. The German held again and was suddenly one game away from the first set. And, thanks to Williams’ growing unforced error count, Kerber broke again and took the first set 6-3.

Playing solid behind her serve, Kerber held to open the second set. However Williams is known for upping her game when she needs to, and that’s exactly what she did, hitting multiple winners to stop Kerber’s five game winning streak. The players traded holds of serve for 2-2, and the match was suddenly getting interesting. The American upped the intensity on the Kerber serve, however the German held strong and toughed out a service hold. Williams, despite trying as hard as she could, just couldn’t seem to put the ball away as Kerber was running down everything. A forehand winner from the German sealed the break, and the German was two games away from the title.

Williams knew she had to make something happen on Kerber’s relatively slow serve, but overhitting every return wasn’t the best way to go. Kerber held serve for 5-2 as another return from the American sailed long. Williams did well to hold her next service game though, an ace and a couple unreturned serves forced the German to serve it. And she did just that, a crucial forehand winner helping Kerber to match point. Angelique Kerber took the title on her first attempt as Williams’ return again couldn’t find the court. Kerber fell to the ground in awe, becoming the first German to win Wimbledon since Graf in 1996. The German’s “dream” had come true, and Serena Williams was nothing but gracious in defeat, a hug to her fellow friend after the match said it all. GSM Kerber, 6-3 6-3.

Trophy Picture

This makes Kerber the only person other than Venus Williams to defeat Serena in two or more Grand Slams finals. This also puts Kerber with more Grand Slams than Kvitova, Azarenka, Li Na, Muguruza, and Kuzetsova. Expectations have been surpassed, to say the least. Williams moves up into the top 20 with the final, while Kerber moves up to #4 in the world and #2 in the Race to Singapore.