Plenty have hailed Serena Williams as the greatest female tennis player of all time, but there’s a case for calling her the greatest ever, male or female.
The American wrapped up victory over Angelique Kerber at Wimbledon in straight sets, 7-5 6-3, to claim her 22nd career grand slam.
After 11 straight holds of serve Serena finally pounces, breaking with some excellent tennis to take the first 7-5 pic.twitter.com/85Lop0VfZC
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 9, 2016
Williams has dominated her sport, being at the top of the game for more than a decade and a half, so it is more than fair to consider her in discussions of the greatest ever.
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Serena Williams has not only elevated women’s tennis into a new stratosphere, but tennis as a whole. Remarkable athlete. Simply the best.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) July 9, 2016
It was Williams’ seventh Wimbledon triumph – her first came all the way back in 2002 – and avenged her Australian Open final defeat against 28-year-old German Kerber.
Victory takes her career earnings above $80m, and few would rule out many more singles titles.
Her current grand slam tally sits at 22 thanks to victory over Kerber – bringing her level with another all-time great, Steffi Graf.
Serena Williams' #Wimbledon trophies.
2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016.
Amazing… 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/b4Ar1GYlxa
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 9, 2016
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That wasn’t all, though. Serena also won the ladies’ doubles alongside sister Venus, sealing a sixth doubles victory in SW19 and a first since 2012.
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After that, attention will turn to the Men’s Singles final, with a certain British player chasing Wimbledon glory.
Come on then Andy. A Serena – Murray double this weekend would be perfection
— will hardy (@wiliamhardy) July 9, 2016