Serena Williams has matched Steffi Graf’s open era record of 22 grand slam singles titles by beating Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon final.
Williams endured a shock defeat to Kerber at the Australian Open in January but there was to be no repeat on Centre Court as she edged a thrilling contest 7-5 6-3 yesterday.
The world number one is now tied with Steffi Graf at the top of the open era list of women’s champions and just two short of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam singles titles.
Kerber was once known to falter under the stress of adversity but if anything she began the second set with even greater vigour, a booming backhand and then forehand pass both sending the crowd into frenzy.
