Hurdle too far for Venus as Muguruza wins Wimbledon

Spain’s Garbine Muguruza won her first Wimbledon title with a straight-sets win over five-time champion Venus Williams.

The 23-year-old saved two set points and won the last nine games in a 7-5, 6-0 victory under the Centre Court roof.

Muguruza denied the 37-year-old a first Grand Slam title for nine years, which would have made her the oldest female Grand Slam champion in the Open era.

It is the 14th-seed Muguruza’s second Grand Slam title after her French Open triumph over Serena Williams in 2016.

‘I had the hardest match today against Venus,’ said Muguruza. ‘She’s such an incredible player. I grew up watching her play – sorry.

‘I feel incredible to be able to play her here. Of course, I’m nervous because I always dreamed about winning it, but I was composed.’

Having lost to Serena Williams in the 2015 final, Muguruza becomes the second Spanish woman to win the Wimbledon singles title, after her coach, Conchita Martinez. She is also the first woman to beat both Williams sisters in Grand Slam finals.

A close contest was forecast, and for 40 minutes it proved impossible to separate the two finalists.

Williams had her chance to take control, but failed to convert two set points at 5-4, and her challenge faded dramatically as the last nine games went to Muguruza.

‘I miss Serena,’ Williams said afterwards, with her sister back in the US awaiting the birth of her first child. ‘I tried my best to do the things you do – but I think there will be other opportunities.’

Two-time Grand Slam champion Mary Pierce said: ‘I don’t think this will affect Venus too much. She has the mind of a champion, but physically it was generally fatigue in her body. You could see all over she was tired and that first set took it out of her.’