2016 Wimbledon Women’s Final Open Thread: Serena Williams v Angelique Kerber

by Staff | July 9th, 2016, 8:26 am
  • 26 Comments

Serena Williams will try against to tie Steffi Graf’s 22 and take a share of the Open Era record for most Grand Slam singles titles by a woman.

And for the second time this year, it’s Graf’s countrywomen Angelique Kerber standing in her way.

The 28-year-old Kerber stunned Serena in Melbourne and she arrives into her first Wimbledon final having not dropped a set and just beaten Serena’s sister, Venus, in the semifinals on Thursday.

“I expect, for sure, a really tough match,” Kerber said. “I know that she will go out and try to beat me, especially because she lost against me in Australia.

“But, yeah, on grass she is always dangerous. I think she won here so many times, she will go for it. I know this. I know I have to play one of my best tennis tomorrow. Yeah, but I’m excited and I’m really looking forward to play against her again.”

Serena has won five of seven meetings. This will be their first clash on the grass.

SATURDAY WIMBLEDON SCHEDULE
CENTRE COURT – 2:00PM
1. Serena Williams (USA) [1] v Angelique Kerber (GER) [4]
2. Pierre-Hugues Herbert (FRA) [1] / Nicolas Mahut (FRA) [1] v Julien Benneteau (FRA) / Edouard Roger-Vasselin (FRA)
3. Timea Babos (HUN) [5] / Yaroslava Shvedova (KAZ) [5] v Serena Williams (USA) / Venus Williams (USA)

METOFFICE WIMBLEDON SATURDAY FORECAST
A cloudy morning with early light patchy rain. Soon becoming dry and brighter, and breezy also, with some sunny spells possible by the afternoon, especially in Kent. Feeling warm and humid. Maximum Temperature 24 °C.

BET AT HOME ODDS
Serena Williams 1.26 vs Angelique Kerber 3.76

US TV SCHEDULE
ESPN will have live coverage of the match starting at 9am ET, 2pm local.


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26 Comments for 2016 Wimbledon Women’s Final Open Thread: Serena Williams v Angelique Kerber

Van Persie Says:

Go Angie! But I think, it is Serenas day. Hope I am wrong.


jalep Says:

Doubting this match is going to last long but I’ll give it a try.


jalep Says:

I wish this was a best of 5 match.


jalep Says:

If Serena or whoever was contesting this GS title was required to keep this level up to win 3 sets, not just 2, like top Athletes in the ATP do, the GS title would mean more, imo.


El_matador Says:

Me too,jalep..their australian open final was unbelievable..angelique reminds me of rafa..i hope she improves her net game..everything else in her game is perfect..if she loses this final,it will only be because of serena’s extraordinary serve..i love angelique;-)


Daniel Says:

Serena had some chamces but she is noy able not able to take control, credit to Kerber who is selling it hard for her.

3-3 second set and Serena just saved a BP with an ace. When she close the games she will go all out next one to break.


Daniel Says:

Serena serving for the match, 7th Wumby and 22nd Grand Slam tying Graff, history day!


jalep Says:

Yep. El_matador, Serena’s serve is the best ever in WTA — that I’ve seen. But I’m all for Bo5 — at least in a GS Final for WTA.

Yes, Angelique reminds me of Rafa. But see, it’s too easy for the big server to win in 2 sets — they should raise the bar and have them win in 3. I guess that’s my soap box for the day. 😉

Ah but nevermind, Congrats Serena!


Daniel Says:

Nice, after last 3 disapointments redemption for her. Now chase Margaret Court 24th.

Hope she can do it. She will be dying for USO and erase last years memory.


jalep Says:

No, no mas, Daniel. Enough is enough, no?


El_matador Says:

Congrats to Serena..every woman should be inspired by her to remind themselves that all the talk of “physical advantages” of men over women is sure myth and psychological thing..
Angelique,you are awesome..your time will come..


jalep Says:

Hope Vika will be back. Will really miss her if she’s not at US Open.


Van Persie Says:

Congrats to Serena. It would have been really painfull for her to miss also this one. Angie was also not bad today. Well done


jalep Says:

Venus and Serena can win their 14th doubles title tomorrow too!


jalep Says:

GS dubs title.


skeezer Says:

Wow never thought Serena would tie Graf for 22. What an accomplishment. It was a quality final and Kerber fought hard. Congrats.


BBB Says:

Serena’s serve hasn’t looked like this for a year.

Whoever posted here during the AO that Serena was out of shape, I have apologized before for questioning you, but let me do it again. Evert said at the beginning of the match that Serena allowed her cardio to slide and that she got it together again in the last month.


jalep Says:

Could have been me, BBB. I was one, but there were a few of us who posted that Serena wasn’t at her best fitness at AO. Even when not at her fittest, I think she can/could win over the field. Seems like that’s changed. She was stunned when Kuznetsova beat her so easily in Miami.

She’s pulled it together though: mentally, emotionally, and physically. Olympics could also be motivating her.


jalep Says:

Bah, Chris Froome takes the maillot jaune on day 8 TDF. No one can stop him.


BBB Says:

Then please accept my apology, jalep. I thought she looked fit (maybe misled by her abs).

I won’t be surprised if we see a slew of victories now. She typically struggles getting over the hump and then goes on a tear. I loved seeing that pure joy on her face – something more lighthearted about it than in the past.

I also loved her comments about Kerber. Serena has really evolved, IMO. She used to refuse to even consider there was someone on the opposite side of the court, then she realized she needed to be gracious even if she was faking it, and now she really seems to mean it. I used to find Kerber dour, but so many people like her that I must have had the wrong impression.


jalep Says:

No problem, BBB, No apology necessary. I only vaguely remember something about it.

Yes Serena’s changed a lot from her low point during that Us Open semifinal vs Clijsters. Very proud of her — gracious, friendly, cool Serena now. And Angie has really come out of her shell! Chris Evert was crediting spending time with Steffi Graff.

Yeah, I’m guessing Serena will maintain her good level through US Open. I’ll look for Muguruza to get it together to challenge her.


jane Says:

congrats to serena, wow, what a competitor she is!! amazing.

BBB, very true comments. agree!


SG1 Says:

One of the better two set matches I’ve ever seen. The level of the tennis was off the charts. Kerber did everything she could. Serena was Serena. There isn’t much defense against her when she plays like this on grass.


BBB Says:

And the doubles to boot! How much money did Serena take home today??

Babos reminds me Kate Winslet.


J-Kath Says:

Margot

I’m bleeding all over the place for her. However, being a decent sort, I’ll give her an appointment when she starts paying taxes here.

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