The 2018 Ladies’ Singles Champion, @AngeliqueKerber ?#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/yobja4kzL2
— Wimbledon Channel (@WimbledonChnl) July 14, 2018
Angelique Kerber Beats Serena Williams to Win First Wimbledon Crown
(July 14, 2018) Angelique Kerber won her first Wimbledon title on Saturday defeating seven-time champion Serena Williams 6-3, 6-3. He win makes her the first German woman since Stefanie Graf in 1996 to win the championship at the All-England club.
“I knew that I had to play my best tennis against a champion like Serena,” said Kerber in her on-interview. “When I was a little kid, I was always winning one time the Wimbledon title. The dream came true today. To play against Serena is always an honor. She’s the best player in the world and a champion.”
“To be honest, I was quite nervous before the match,” admitted Kerber in her news conference. “But I was trying to told myself, Go out there and play your best match, because I know that against Serena I have to play my best tennis, especially in the important moments.
“You know, I was trying just being aggressive, when I have the chance going for it, because I know she served well and I have to move good, moving her as well.
“At the end I was quite starting to being quite nervous. I knew that I have to take my first chance because you never know with her. She is fighting until the last one.
“Yeah, I think it’s just amazing. I cannot describe this feeling because when I was a kid I was always dreaming for this moment. To win Wimbledon, it’s something really special in my career.”
Thirty-year-old Kerber’s victory stopped 36-yrar-old Williams from winning her 8th Wimbledon trophy and 24th major title.
This was Serena’s first major title final since she has come back from having a baby almost 11 months ago. This was just her fourth tournament back since returning to the tour.
“To all the moms out there, I was playing for you today….and I tried,” said Williams on the verge of tears during the trophy ceremony.
“Angelique played really well.”
“She played out of her mind.”
Two years ago, it was Kerber who lost the Wimbledon final to Serena. The German beat Williams in the 2016 Australian Open final.
“I think it’s a completely new feeling because 2016 everything starts where I won my first Grand Slam,’ Kerber said. “Here, especially after 2017 when I think nobody was expecting me so strong back, to coming back how I came, to winning my third Grand Slam, winning Wimbledon, which was always my dream. I think two weeks ago nobody expected I can go so far.
“I was trying to staying focused the whole two weeks, every single day, trying to improving my tennis, trying to staying in my moment, not thinking too much, not thinking what can happen, what not.
“Especially after my first two matches where I knew that I have to, yeah, improving my level, going for it when I have the chance. I think, yeah, I played two good weeks for myself.”
“It was such an amazing tournament for me. I was really happy to get this far,” Williams said. “It’s obviously disappointing, but I can’t be disappointed. I have so much to look forward to. I’m literally just getting started.”
Kerber stands just the French Open title away from a career Grand Slam.
“To win my third Grand Slam, it’s amazing, especially here,” she said. “Like I said, I think Wimbledon was always the Grand Slam I was dreaming for it. To starting with Australia, with New York, I learned a lot from the experience and everything. Also to playing the final the second time here. Yeah, to winning three different Grand Slams, I think it’s just the best thing.
“About clay, I think we have to see in the future. I think that’s a longer way to go for it.”
“I always enter a tournament just coming to do my best,” said Williams. “This particular tournament, I entered just wanting to win some matches. I kept winning, and it kept happening. It was definitely a little bit of a surprise for me.
“Also it was super encouraging to know that I can compete and do well.”
For their efforts this week, Kerber’s ranking will rise to No. 4 and Williams’ will be No. 28.
More to follow….
