The whole experience of defeat by the Romanian tennis sensation Simona Halep in the final match left 37-year-old Serena Williams with frayed nerves, disappointment and humiliation at Roland Garros. Like seismic shockwaves, she had to bear the end to her dream of equalling Margaret Court’s record of winning 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Despite her concerted endeavour to contest the points, she could not save herself from losing the match by 6-2, 6-2 margin in the 56-minute Wimbledon final fight.
Although the American tennis star Serena made some positive signs of inroads on Simona’s serve in the sixth game—taking her to deuce with a wicked cross-court forehand and thereby getting her first break point with another down in the line. But she could do nothing about Halep’s swift forehand with which she held for a 5-1 after just 20 minutes. Within six minutes the set belonged to Simona Halep thereby stunning the glued spectators.
Ten years younger than sturdy Serena, Halep beamed like a flickering lighthouse in celebration after winning the women’s singles title for the second time, as she also triumphed the 2018 French Open.
Williams was left undone by 26 natural or unforced errors to Simona’s merely three mistakes. Thus the Romanian player played a near-flawless final and showed her accuracy in playing skills. Fulfilling her mother’s desire, she splendidly ended the game and amassed the first Wimbledon title in her favour. It became a worthwhile major victory for her this year.
Halep’s remarkable performance has left Serena with no choice but to try her hand in another approaching major match to tie with Court’s established record. The fight in the tennis court was undeniably sweet, but it could not prove to be Williams’ cup of tea. It was the most stunning finish to a match, and only a few would have predicted it would go this unique way.
When Williams’s final shot fell into the net, Halep fell to her knees in joy. She had indeed every right to celebrate her tremendous triumph. “I’m very sure that was the best match of my life,” said Halep.