Wimbledon 2016 | Serena equals Steffi Graf’s record by beating Kerber in the final

Serena Williams came into the match looking to equal Steffi Graf’s record 22 Grand Slams, a record she had been eyeing for a year now. Her seventh Wimbledon singles title would also mean she would have taken revenge for the loss against Kerber at the Australian Open. Angelique Kerber also had some ‘Steffi’ history to make, trying to be the first German since Steffi Graf to win at Wimbledon. She had already won her first major, at the Australian Open, and was keen to rid of the ‘one-slam wonder’ tag.

Kerber stepped up, and displayed some sturdy defense and good angles to keep herself in the match and keep the score at 5-5. Serena decided to up the ante, firing in two huge serves and an ace to go up 6-5. Kerber tightened up, sending shots wide and long, and losing the game and set to the first seed as a result.

Kerber took her game up many notches higher in the second set, creating incredible angles and hitting unbelievable winners. She produced probably her best game of the match at 1-2, displaying her intent by stunning Serena with her repertoire of shots and winning the game. The match was turning into an exhibition of exciting tennis, with one rally at 2-2 (30-30) standing out. Both players placed their shots accurately, making the other move around desperately, and there were a few sublime cross-court shots before Serena netted the ball. Kerber went on to hold her serve and earn her first break-point of the match, but Serena held on to make it 3-3. She looked set to take Serena all the way and probably even add a second slam to her collection but Serena wanted this too bad.

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