Serena falls one win short
Williams settles for runner-up after Kerber takes final
LONDON — Angelique Kerber was not about to be overwhelmed by the setting or the stakes in the Wimbledon women’s final. She knew exactly what to expect — and what to do — against Serena Williams.
Two years after losing to Williams with the title on the line on Centre Court, the 11th-seeded Kerber came through. So steady, so patient and so accurate throughout, she never really gave the 25th-seeded Williams much of a chance this time, putting together a 6-3, 6-3 victory Saturday for her first championship at the All England Club and her third major title overall.
‘‘I think it’s the experience,’’ said Kerber, who won the Australian Open and U.S. Open in 2016. ‘‘You have to go through all the things — the good things, the bad things — and then you need to learn. I know that against Serena, I have to play my best tennis, especially in the important moments.’’ That’s just what she did. ‘‘Angelique played really well,’’ Williams said. ‘‘She played out of her mind.’’
Kerber made only five unforced errors in the entire match, 19 fewer than Williams. Perhaps more impressive was this: She broke Williams in four of her nine service games.
In doing so, Kerber prevented Williams from claiming an eighth title at Wimbledon and a 24th major overall, which would have equaled Margaret Court’s record. As things stand, Williams holds the mark for the half-century of the Open era (since 1968) with 23.
Williams gave birth only 10½ months ago, then was treated for blood clots. She wore special compression leggings as a precaution during Wimbledon, which was only the fourth tournament of her comeback.
After all the time away, Williams spoke about being impressed with herself just for reaching the final. She also wanted to win, of course.
‘‘To all the moms out there, I was playing for you today — and I tried,’’ said Williams, 36, her voice shaking during the on-court trophy ceremony.
Kerber addressed Williams during the on-court interviews, saying: ‘‘You’re such an inspiration for everybody, for all of us. I’m sure you will have your next Grand Slam title soon. I’m really, really sure.’’
Kerber celebrated match point by covering her face and collapsing flat on her back, getting grass stains on her white outfit. She relished the moment she had dreamed about as a little kid, watching idol Steffi Graf on TV.
Later, Kerber sipped champagne and collected the round, purple badge given to a champion to signify membership in the All England Club. She affixed the badge to her white T-shirt and laughed as she played with it at the start of her news conference.
‘‘Winning here, it’s forever,’’ Kerber said. ‘‘Nobody can take the title away from me now.’’