Germany's Angelique Kerber says winning Wimbledon was at the top of
her tennis wish list in her junior days. The 30-year-old now reflects
on the reality of achieving that goal and looks forward to future
success.
The now triple grand slam winner, following on from her 2016
successes at the Australian and US Opens, defeated Williams 6-3, 6-3,
in a 65-minute onslaught in her fourth championship contest.
Three of her major finals have been against Williams and her American
rival dominated their last meeting on Centre Court two years ago.
But this time, Kerber was in full control from start to finish and
reflected on her days as a junior to inspire the achievement of a
lifetime.
"When I was a kid I was always dreaming for this moment. To win
Wimbledon, it's something really special in my career," said the
30-year-old German.
"I played so many great matches here in the last years. I think
Wimbledon is something special. I think it's traditional. To win
here, it's forever. I think nobody can take the title away from me
now."
As well as making her dreams and ambitions come true, Kerber also
followed one of her heroines in Steffi Graf by becoming the first
German woman to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish since 1996.
"My first memories was watching Steffi here, to winning all the
matches, winning the matches in two sets actually," Kerber said.
"I remember when I was watching her, that everybody was playing in
white on the grass court. Then I came here for the first time for
playing juniors. I never played good juniors, but on grass I was
feeling good."
Kerber's triumph wasn't without a long period of trial and
tribulation, though.
After the best year of her professional career as a world number one
with her first two major honours in 2016, she endured a title drought
with no tournament wins for the entirety of 2017.
Even though that was a tough time, Kerber says she learned a lot from
her 2017 slump and after her success on Saturday, she added a feeling
of satisfaction has boosted her hopes for the future.
"I think it's a completely new feeling because in 2016, everything
starts where I won my first grand slam," said Kerber.
"After 2017, I think nobody was expecting me to come back so strong,
to winning my third grand slam, winning Wimbledon, which was always
my dream. I think two weeks ago nobody expected I can go so far.
"I was trying to stay focused the whole two weeks, every single day,
trying to improve my tennis, trying to stay in my moment."
"I think without 2017 I couldn't win this tournament," Kerber added.
"I think I learned a lot from last year, with all the expectation,
all the things I go through. I learned so many things about myself, ,
I tried to enjoy every single moment now.
"I think to making again such a year is impossible. But I just try to
improve my game, thinking not too much about the results."
And her celebrations were echoed by notable names back in her home
country and in the world of sport.
Germany's International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said:
"A worthy Wimbledon champion. Great to be there and see such a great
match between two athletes who competed in the very best spirit of
fair play."
And a German government spokesman supplied a message from chancellor
Angela Merkel: "I am very happy for her about her thrilling
performance and her first win at Wimbledon," on Twitter.
One elite title remains for Kerber to complete the prestigious career
grand slam, and that is on the Roland Garros clay at the French Open,
where she reached the last eight this year.
Only 10 women in history have achieved the feat and Kerber says it
might be a long wait for her to join that exclusive club.
"Winning three different grand slams, I think it's just the best
thing," she said.
"About clay, I think we have to see in the future. I think that has a
long way to go for it."