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Serena downs Kerber to win Wimbledon title, equals Graf's record

Last updated on: July 09, 2016 20:34 IST

Serena Williams celebrates winning her Wimbledon final match against Germany's Angelique Kerber

IMAGE: Serena Williams celebrates winning her Wimbledon final match against Germany's Angelique Kerber. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters

Serena Williams beat Germany's Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 to claim a seventh Wimbledon singles title and equal Steffi Graf's professional era record of 22 grand slam singles crowns on Saturday.

The 34-year-old American edged a high-quality final on a blustery Centre Court as she avenged a surprise loss to Kerber in the final of this year's Australian Open.

Serena Williams celebrates winning the first set  

IMAGE: Serena Williams celebrates winning the first set. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Reuters

Fourth seed Kerber stuck to her guns in a fiercely-fought first set but wavered at 5-6 when a couple of unforced errors gave a fired-up Williams the chance to grab the opener, which she did on her second set point.

World No 1 Williams faced a moment of danger when Kerber earned a first break point at 3-3 in the second set but she responded by blasting down consecutive aces to stay ahead.

Germany's Angelique Kerber in action against USA's Serena Williams during the womens singles final 

IMAGE: Germany's Angelique Kerber in action against USA's Serena Williams during the womens singles final. Photograph: Andrew Couldridge/Reuters

Under severe pressure throughout the contest Kerber crumbled in the next game, skewing a backhand wide to give Williams a 5-3 lead and the chance to serve for the title.

Williams was in no mood to prolong the contest and stormed 40-0 ahead, sealing victory with a volley on her first match point before collapsing backwards joyfully on to the Centre Court turf. 

Source: REUTERS
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