Garbine Muguruza beat Venus Williams, 7-5, 6-0 to win her first Wimbledon title.ย
Walking onto the court for the coin toss to see who would serve first, Venus Williams was all smiles in the photo op, but Garbine Muguruza gave us a glimpse of the all-business attitude she employed in the ladiesโ final, not cracking a smile, with the focus of a woman on a mission. But there was plenty to smile about afterwards, as she lifted the Venus Rosewater dish for the first time on Centre Court.
Once she powered throughย the first set break, the Spaniard played without a crack in her armor. The first set break took all the wind out of Venus Williamsโ sails, and the 37-year-old legend started losing steam as she tried to keep pace. Still, itโs been an amazing year for the American, who made itย to her second Grand Slam final in a year, after being written off by many. She powered through players much younger than her as if age didnโt matter.
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A finalist two years ago, the win for the world No. 15ย means a lot, and she is now a two-time Grand Slam winner, having beaten Serena Williams last year for her maiden title at the French Open. She remains one of the few WTA players to beat both sisters in finals. Not bad for a 23-year-old.
https://twitter.com/WeAreTennis/status/886235688705904640
Several took to Twitter to offer their congratulations to the 14thย seed, including Boris Becker, who was enthralled with the close first set:
One of the best first sets I have seen at @Wimbledon #Muguruza #Williams in a final ...
โ Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) July 15, 2017
A giddy Muguruza balanced the Venus Rosewater dish on her head as she walked off the court:
Then took the dish to show the public from the playerโs balcony. How good does that feel?
https://twitter.com/bbctennis/status/886236607933796353
Muguruza is the first Spanish woman since her coach, Conchita Martinez, to win Wimbledon:
Garbine Muguruza beats Venus Williams to become 1st Spanish woman to win #Wimbledon since Conchita Martinez in 1994 https://t.co/iHPfLmBbfi pic.twitter.com/TuOOczofaj
โ SI Tennis (@SI_Tennis) July 15, 2017
She broke down in tears after the win:
Garbine Muguruza breaks down in tears on Centre Court.
โ BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) July 15, 2017
She was absolutely outstanding.https://t.co/jiUsK2EKJG #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/YJwrBmVXOR
She had a great reaction for her coach, who couldnโt make the final:
https://twitter.com/bbctennis/status/886239661776969728
South African player Kevin Anderson congratulated both legends:
Great tourney for champ @GarbiMuguruza & finalist @Venuseswilliams. You'll both undoubtedly go down as legends in our sport. Congrats Garbi!
โ Kevin Anderson (@KAndersonATP) July 15, 2017
Rafael Nadal was proud of his compatriot:
Suerte @GarbiMuguruza!!! https://t.co/DavdWKeEt8
โ Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) July 13, 2017
Her own giddy happiness:
Yes!!!! pic.twitter.com/evqTlwOaRf
โ Garbiรฑe Muguruza (@GarbiMuguruza) July 15, 2017
Seeing her name on the Wimbledon honors board for the first time:
When you see YOUR name on the #Wimbledon honours board ๐๐๐https://t.co/njIqwx04Px pic.twitter.com/CdjO0LOIsu
โ BBC Tennis (@bbctennis) July 15, 2017
But Lindsey Vonn felt for Venus Williams:
https://twitter.com/lindseyvonn/status/886233002186915841
Pam Shriver congratulated Muguruza on the win, but also praised Venusโ career longevity and sportsmanship:
A @Wimbledon championship match turned on a dime, 4-5 15-40!!! @GarbiMuguruza congratulations
โ Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) July 15, 2017
Over 20 years of admiring @Venuseswilliams, her resiliency, grit, joy of tennis and sportsmanship has been top shelf. #nevergiveup
โ Pam Shriver (@PHShriver) July 15, 2017
Actor Rosie Perez was impressed:
Congrats @GarbiMuguruza! Much respect @Venuseswilliams!!!! #Wimbledon2017 #Tennis https://t.co/BuTl3c5t9D
โ Rosie Perez (@rosieperezbklyn) July 15, 2017
Garbine Muguruza will be the new world No. 5, and Venus Williams moves up to No. 9. Both players will be well within the Top 10.