Venus Williams Loses Historic Championship at Wimbeldon

Venus Williams lost a historic title match to Garbine Murguroza, 7-5, 6-0 at the 2017 Wimbeldon Ladies Championship. The title match took place July 15, at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbeldon, England. Williams became the oldest woman to play in the title match in the modern era.

Williams came into the match with seven Grand Slam titles, five of those at Wimbeldon. Murguruza was the 2016 French Open champion for her only Grand Slam victory. She lost in the 2015 finals at Wimbeldon against Venus’ sister, Serena Williams.

Both finalists were on top of their game for most of the first set. Williams had a double-set point in the tenth game, but Muguruza fought both points off to hold serve. That failure to get the first set would prove crucial to the loss. With the set tied at 5-5, Muguruza claimed the first service break to go ahead of Williams 6-5. She served for the first set and went up a double-set point. Williams saved the first set point, but hit the ball long on the second set-point allowing Muguruza to claim set number one, 7-5.

Williams record in Grand Slam title matches showed that she was in serious trouble. Previously, she had won only one of seven title matches when she lost the first set. Murguruza dominated the second set, closing out Williams by winning the last eight games to claim her first Wimbeldon title.

Williams was a long shot to even reach the finals at age 37. She was the crowd favorite of the tournament, and showed her grace in losing by congratulating Muguruza on her victory.  “I know you worked very hard to get here,” Williams commented at a smiling Muguruza.

Muguruza also was gracious in victory, especially noting that her loss two years ago to Serena Williams, Serena had told her that some day soon Muguruza would win this title. That prophetic proclamation came true for the young Spaniard.

Williams has said that she hopes to continue playing professional tennis through the 2018 Olympic games. Her many fans are already looking forward to seeing her at least once more before she considers retirement.

By D.T. Osborn

Source:

CBS Sports: Wimbledon 2017 women’s final: Garbine Muguruza dominates Venus Williams for title

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of D.T. Osborn