SERENA WILLIAMS beat Angelique Kerber to claim her her SEVENTH Wimbledon title – and draw level with Steffi Graf on 22 Grand Slams.
The American legend, 34, beat Bremen-born Angelique Kerber 7-5 6-3 out on Centre Court in front of Jay-Z, Beyonce, Natalie Portman, Ellen DeGeners and slew of celebrities.
And in doing so finally ended Steffi Graf’s status as the most successful player of the Open Era, by equalling the 47-year-old’s record of 22 Grand Slam triumphs.
It also saw Williams avenge her shock defeat to Kerber at the Australian Open final back in January.
The world No1 had waltzed through an embarrassingly easy semi-final against Russian Elena Vesnina which lasted just 48 minutes.
But there was no chance of a repeat this time round against the resilient Kerber.
And indeed the first set lasted just one minute less than the Vesnina debacle.
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Yet for all her qualities, there was simply nothing No4 seed Kerber could do when Williams was serving like this.
In fact, there was nothing most players could do - male or female.
Williams laid down 13 aces, and won an incredibly 88 per cent of points when getting her first serve in.
When Kerber had her one and only break point at 30-40 in the seventh game of the second set, Williams responded with a 117mph ace, and then a 124mph ace.
To put that in context, Andy Murray averaged a speed of 118mph in his semi-final win over Tomas Berdych on Friday.
Simply put, Williams was on a mission to land that elusive 22nd Slam and nothing or no one was getting in her way.
The Michigan star had blown three chances to equal Graf’s record since winning her 21st title at last year’s Wimbledon, losing in the semis at the US Open and the finals in Australia and Roland Garros.
But she was not to be denied here.
Venus’ little sister wrapped it up holding to love in her final game, tapping home a forehand volley before dropping her racket and falling to the floor in elation.
Speaking after receiving the trophy Williams, 34, revealed her relief over finally matching Graf’s record.
She said: “It’s been incredibly difficult not to think about it. I had a couple of tries this year., I lost to two great opponents, one being Angelique!
“It makes the victory even sweeter to know how hard I’ve worked for it.
“It’s such a great feeling (to have won). Angelique, I love playing her. She is such a great opponent. She brings out great tennis in me and then when we walk off the court she’s a wonderful person to be around.
“This court definitely feels like home. In fact I have a match later today in doubles so I’ll be back out here at home!
“I love playing out on Centre Court, especially with my sister who has inspired me so much and to be how I am. I’m just so excited.”
Kerber, who fought back a few tears during her on-court post-match interview, hailed champion Williams.
The runner-up, 28, said: “First of all, I would like to say really congrats to Serena. You really deserve the title. You’re a great champion and a great person.
“It’s always an honour to play against you in the finals. We played a great match. Congrats, you deserve it.
“It’s the best feeling to play here on the Centre Court. I’ve had an amazing two weeks here at Wimbledon. It’s an honour.”
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