Angelique Kerber denied Serena Williams a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title and won Wimbledon for the first time.
The beaten 2016 finalist – who lost to Williams two years ago – had flown under the radar at the All England Club for much of the fortnight, but played some fabulous tennis to exact revenge on her American rival.
After winning her third Grand Slam title with a 6-3 6-3 win, Kerber is now just the second player to defeat Williams in more than one Grand Slam final, after her sister Venus.
It was a contrast of styles, with Kerber showing brilliant defensive resolve to counteract Williams’ dangerous firepower – though the 30-year-old’s serve has improved dramatically this year, too.
The pair hadn’t met since the 2016 final, with both struggling professionally in 2017 for different reasons.
Then world No. 1 Kerber suffered a dramatic dip in form during a horrible year, seeing her ranking slide out of the top-20, while Williams called time on her season after winning the Australian Open in order to give birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia.
Incredibly, less than a year on, she has battled into the final of a major – in what was just her fourth tournament back on the WTA Tour – while ranked at world No. 181.
However, the day belonged to Kerber.
‘It’s just a dream come true again,’ the German said.
‘First I have to say Serena, you’re such a great person and a champion. You’re such an inspiration for all of us.
‘I’m sure you will have your next Grand Slam title soon, I’m sure.’
Williams added, holding back the tears: ‘It was such an amazing tournament for me. I was really happy to get this far.
‘It’s obviously disappointed but I have so much to look forward to, I’m just getting started.’
