Williams sweeps to Wimbledon title over Zvonareva (Second Lead)
By DPA, IANSSaturday, July 3, 2010
LONDON - Serena Williams romped to the fourth Wimbledon title of her career Saturday, requiring just 67 minutes to completely dominate Russian Vera Zvonareva 6-3, 6-2.
The blow-out on Centre court sent the world number one to a 13th singles title with a total of 90 aces for the fortnight including nine in the one-way trophy match.
“At Wimbledon, when I get onto the grass, I just start serving well,” said the winner. “I want to keep it up.”
Williams, who has reigned atop the WTA rankings for 110 weeks, moved into sixth place on the all-time champions title list, edging past American Billie Jean King.
“This one was very special,” said the winner. “I guess 13 is now my lucky number.”
Williams owns a 6-1 career mark over the 21st-ranked Zvonareva, who missed most of 2009 through an ankle injury and subsequent surgery. The losing finalist had the doctor who performed the operation cheering in her support box.
“It means a lot to me that the people in my box were here for me today,” said the 25-year-old, a part-time student of international affairs in her native Moscow.
“Because of my surgeon, I was able to be here today. I was really doubting I could play tennis again at one point.”
Williams claimed the 37th trophy of her career with without facing a break point in the final. She finished with back-to-back untouchable overheads.
The American improved to 13-3 in Grand Slam finals and extended family domination at the All England Club: from the last 11 finals, a Williams has won nine, with Serena on four and Venus with five.
The victory was the 199th at at Grand Slam for Williams, putting her level with her older sibling.
“I’m a little bit disappointed that I couldn’t show my best today,” said Zvonareva, who will move up to tenth in the next rankings. “Serena didn’t allow me, she played really well.
“After a few hours I’ll look back and realise that I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was a little kid. It’s a dream to play on Centre court at Wimbledon.”
Zvonareva was the third Russian woman to play the Wimbledon after Olga Morozova (1974 runner-up) and Maria Sharapova (2004 winner). She was the second lowest-ranked finalist behind Venus, who stood 31st in 2007.
Williams said her break of Zvonareva for 4-3 was key to the match, after which Zvonareva got only on the scoreboard two more times.
“I’m happy to be able to win. Thanks to the crowd for supporting me even though I’ve won this one a few times.”
