Serena books Muguruza date in Wimbledon final
Serena is favoured to win the Wimbledon final on Saturday. PHOTO BY AFP
LONDON- World number one Serena Williams brushed aside fourth seed Maria Sharapova to set up a Wimbledon final against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza.
The American, 33, extended her winning run against Sharapova to 17 matches over 11 years with a 6-2 6-4 victory. Williams could win a sixth Wimbledon and 21st major title on Saturday, when she can also complete a ‘Serena Slam’ by holding all four Grand Slam titles.
Muguruza, 21, beat Agnieszka Radwanska 6-2 3-6 6-3 in the first semi-final. The Venezuela-born 20th seed led by a set and a break only for 13th seed Radwanska to respond with six straight games and force a decider.
“I don’t have words to explain it,” Muguruza told BBC Sport. “I worked all my life to achieve this moment. I think I was playing really well so I had to stay calm and keep a poker face.”
Williams was thrilled to reach her 25th Grand Slam final, saying: “I’m so excited. I got a bit nervous because it was a semi-final and it’s a long time since I’ve been this far.”
Sharapova had not beaten Williams since 2004, the year of her Wimbledon triumph over the American, and she was unable to prevent a 17th straight defeat.
