Top-seed sees off Muguruza’s challenge in straight sets to win first Wimbledon title since 2012.
Serena Williams claimed a sixth Wimbledon title and fourth successive grand slam crown by suppressing the spirited attacking instincts of 20th-seeded Spaniard Garbine Muguruza to win the final 6-4 6-4.
The world number one was simply too powerful and too consistent for surprise 21-year-old finalist Muguruza, who began with a valiant positive approach but could not maintain her early high level.
Serena looked in trouble in the opening set, trailing Muguruza 4-2 before bouncing back to win it.
The Spaniard’s challenge faded in the second set as the American raced to a 5-1 lead.
But while Serena was four points away from a win, Muguruza fought back to make it 5-4.
However, Serena broke her rival once again to win the set 6-4 and seal her 21st Grand Slam title.
American Williams reinforced her stranglehold on the women’s game by overcoming an early wobble and resisting a battling fightback to claim a 21st grand slam title that leaves her one behind German Steffi Graf’s record haul of professional era majors.
Williams now holds all four majors at the same time – the so-called ‘Serena Slam’ – having also won the US, Australian and French Open titles.
“I can’t believe I am standing here with another Serena Slam. It is so cool,” Williams said courtside.
“It has been a pleasure and an honour to have so many years in this unbelievable place.”
Serena’s Grand Slam titles |
Aus Open: 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2015 French Open:2002, 2013, 2015 Wimbledon: 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 US Open: 1999, 2002, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014 |
Source: Al Jazeera and agencies