Wimbledon: The Finale

While the fortnight was filled with historic matches, shocking upsets, surprise semifinalists, and a visit from the Queen, order was restored as both world no. 1 and former Wimbledon champions Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams won their 8th and 13th Grand Slam respectively solidifying their dominance in the tennis world.


For Nadal, it never came easily having to survive three 5-set matches before have to get through hometown favorite Andy Murray in the semifinals and an inspired first-time finalist Tomas Berdych in the finals. The moment seemed too much for Berdych, however, as he was beaten in straight sets 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 by Nadal, who wasn't playing his best. To many, the match might have seemed lightweight compared to the more recent 5-set historic and epic finals played in Centre Court the past few years, but for Nadal it doesn't matter. With this win, he moves to a tie with legends such as Andre Agassi, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, Ken Rosewall, and Fred Perry in the all-time list. Nadal also pretty much ensures ending the year at #1 and will have great momentum to complete the career Grand Slam at the US Open.


It was just as routine for Serena who blitzed first-time finalist Vera Zvonareva in 67 minutes winning 6-3, 6-2. Serena was dominant in her service games, just as she was the entire tournament, not even facing a single break point in the finals. For the tournament, she doled out an astonishing record of 89 aces. This is only Serena's second title of the year, the first coming at the Australian Open. With this win, she moves ahead of Billie Jean King in the all-time list, but don't be surprised if we don't hear from her until the next Grand Slam.

Meanwhile, unseeded teams ruled the doubles. Jurgen Melzer/Philipp Petzschner won against 16th seeds Robert Lindstedt/Horia Tecau while Vania King/Yaroslaca Shvedova beat Elena Vesnina/Vera Zvonareva for the crown.