Serena wins Wimbledon title to equal Steffi Graf’s record

Serena Williams defeated Germany’s Angelique Kerber on Saturday to win the Wimbledon Ladies’ title for seventh time.

The American equalled Steffi Graf’s 22 titles on Centre Court, seeing off her opponent with minimal fuss.

Williams endured a shock defeat to Kerber at the Australian Open in January but there was to be no repeat, as she edged a thrilling contest 7-5, 6-3.

The world number one is now tied with Steffi Graf at the top of the open era women’s champions list and just two short of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 titles.

After sealing victory with a forehand volley, Williams dropped her racket and fell outstretched on her back before rising to meet Kerber in a warm embrace.

She has now won 22 of her 28 grand slam finals and also moves level with Graf on seven Wimbledon triumphs, joint second in the open era behind Martina Navratilova’s nine.

Winning 22 slams seemed inevitable when Williams was crowned champion here 12 months ago but three surprise defeats in Flushing Meadows, Melbourne and Paris had prolonged the wait.

“It’s been incredibly difficult not to think about it,”Williams said. “I had a couple of tries this year, against two great opponents, one being Angelique. It makes the victory even sweeter to know how hard I worked for it.”