Venus Williams defeated Johanna Konta at Wimbledon Thursday to reach her first final at the tournament since 2009.
For the second day running, an American beat a British No. 1 at Wimbledon. This one was rather more expected than Sam Querrey’s defeat of Andy Murray, though.
Venus Williams beat Johanna Konta in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, to advance to only her second major final since 2009. The fact both of them have been this year illustrates what a resurgence she has had in 2017.
Konta played reasonably well, but Williams never looked in danger. Venus’ serve was particularly strong throughout. Her opponent only had two break points in the whole match, and didn’t take either of them.
Williams had served significantly more double faults than Konta in the tournament prior to this match. The 22-10 count made little difference here, though, as the British number one served up four to Venus’ two. The American’s extra experience seemed to tell in the key moments throughout the match.
Not that Konta’s serve was too bad. She served seven aces to Venus’ one, and two percent more of her first serves were in too. On average, the Brit’s serves were a shade faster than Williams’, which was perhaps unexpected.
It was the second serves that made a key difference. Williams won a very healthy 65 percent of the points on a second serve, but Konta won just 33 percent. Perhaps crucially, Williams broke Konta in the final game of the first set, which meant she could serve first in both sets. The home crowd favorite was always playing catch up, and it proved too big a challenge for her. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the result.
Venus Williams says the crowd were very nice to her today, given the circumstances.https://t.co/bHvJP9zN5L #Wimbledon #bbctennis pic.twitter.com/wm0OOkvBfW
— BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) July 13, 2017
- Age couldn't stop her
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (IG:twdbk3) (@sluggahjells) July 13, 2017
- Sjogren's syndrome couldn't stop her
- Another tragic incident couldn't stop her
How remarkable Venus is.
'I miss Serena so much. Usually it's her in this finals. Now she is on my corner' Venus
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 13, 2017
While we all marvel at the genius of Fed at 36,let's not forget that Venus is probably playing the best tennis of her life at 37 @Wimbledon
— Mahesh Bhupathi (@Maheshbhupathi) July 13, 2017
Venus Wiliams. 5 time champion, 9th final on Saturday. 37 years. That smile says it all pic.twitter.com/lCVkzOreJn
— Michael Oti Adjei (@OtiAdjei) July 13, 2017
Don’t take Venus Williams for granted.
— Courtney Nguyen (@FortyDeuceTwits) July 13, 2017
What she is doing is f*****g unbelievable.
Venus Williams defeats Johanna Konta in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, to reach her first #Wimbledon singles final since 2009. pic.twitter.com/81oby8Q7ke
— Rhiannon Walker (@InstantRHIplay) July 13, 2017
Incredible tennis from Venus to reach her 16th Slam final. This year has been vindication for all her efforts after critics wrote her off.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 13, 2017
For people who know more about tennis than I do: you ever see Venus play better? You ever see someone at 37 play better?!? Holy crap. Epic.
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) July 13, 2017
Next: Each State's Sports Mt Rushmore
Seven of Venus’ eight major final defeats have been against her sister, Serena. Garbine Muguruza may be ranked 15th in the world, but who would bet against Williams claiming her sixth Wimbledon crown?