Both Simona Halep (7) and Serena Williams (11) had played some incredible tennis to reach the final, and history awaited the winner, whomever it may be. The first Romanian player to win a Wimbledon singles trophy if Simona triumphed, or a record equaling 24th Major should Serena win the day. Just two possible consequences.
Williams had a 9-1 winning head to head statistic coming into this battle, including a second round victory at Wimbledon eight years ago. (I was there that year to see a teenage Halep ranked 58, unaware of how her future would unfold). Until the Australian Open round of sixteen this year - another Williams victory - the pair hadn’t played each other since the 2016 US Open.
Williams served first and at 30-30, the one winner so far was a Halep forehand cross court. A Williams netted backhand presented a break chance to Halep, and another backhand error gave the Romanian the perfect start. A love game followed, Williams off balance, and hitting the net twice. Halep was missing nothing and her backhand down the line winner sealed a 2-0 lead. Halep’s retrieval skills were on show in the third game as she again pressured Williams. The seven time champion at 30-30 struck a backhand long and Halep had another break opportunity. A wonderful backhand return winner confirmed a 3-0 lead. The start was impeccable and had the crowd stunned.
A forehand winner from Halep began the fourth game, and when Williams missed an easy forehand, the seventh seed had two game points. Williams used a powerful angled backhand to force an error, but an ace delivered the fourth game to Halep in just eleven amazing minutes.
An angry Williams finally bothered the scorers with the aid of four first serves, a winner off her racquet coming on the third point.
At 4-1, and for the first time, Halep was placed under pressure on serve. Williams won the opening point at the net, but had to applaud Halep who responded with a magnificent backhand passing shot. A forehand winner was rifled by Williams for 15-30, but Halep served her way to game point.
Williams hit an off forehand return which gave Halep no chance, and a forehand return winner off another second serve produced the first break chance for the American. Williams hit a forehand out of court, Halep delivered a service winner, and to win the game, a forehand cross court winner.
5-1 to a rampant Halep.
A forehand winner from Williams began what would be her second straight love game and it meant that Halep went to the line to serve for the set.
An amazing backhand reach from Halep resulted in a Williams error, and another stretch on the backhand achieved the same outcome, and two set points. A Williams return winner saved one, but a return out of court ended the set in Halep’s facour 6-2.
Williams began set two in much better shape, and the pair exchanged service holds for 2-2, games three and four to love. Williams was in strife, though, in the fifth game with a backhand and forehand both finding the net. A Halep forehand passed Williams to set up two break points, but only one was needed as the legend pushed a straightforward backhand long.
Leading by a set and a break, Halep consolidated with another service hold, despite Williams’ effective opening forehand and first few points. Rushing the net, Halep levelled at 30-30 with a winning forehand. This was followed with one of her best serves of the match, and an overhit Williams forehand ensured a 4-2 lead for the Romanian.
A lengthy seventh game began with a Williams double fault and a netted backhand. She recovered with an ace, and a further two big serves to have game point. This vanished when the net was hit with a backhand yet again. Break point when a Williams forehand failed. An ace saved it. A second game point gone with a poor backhand. A repeat unforced backhand error and a chance for a double break. A Halep backhand down the line winner achieved the break and a 5-2 lead.
Serving for the championship, Halep was happy to see Williams’ first return hit the net. A forehand from Williams sailed long, then three championship points arrived with a fantastic service winner. Two lets delayed the inevitable, and when a Williams forehand couldn’t clear the net, Wimbledon had its newest champion.
Simona Halep defeated Serena Williams in less than an hour 6-2 6-2, in a breathtaking display of tennis, hitting winners from everywhere and committing a mere three unforced errors the entire match.
This was the first title for Halep since Montréal last August, and reconfirms her standing at the top of the women’s game.
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