Saturday, July 03, 2010

Serena Serves History

Serena Williams of the U.S. holds the winners trophy after defeating Russia's Vera Zvonareva in the womens' singles final at the 2010 Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 3, 2010.
Reuters

Serena Williams of US holds the Wimbledon Trophy after defeating Vera Zvonareva of Russia 6-3, 6-2, in the Women's Final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Tennis Club, in south-west London, on July 3, 2010.
Getty

Richard Williams, the father of Serena Williams of the U.S. , takes a photograph on Centre Court during her womens' singles finals match against Russia's Vera Zvonareva at the 2010 Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 3, 2010.
Reuters

Serena Williams of the U.S. celebrates defeating Russia's Vera Zvonareva in the womens' singles final at the 2010 Wimbledon tennis championships in London, July 3, 2010.
Reuters

Serena Williams of US holds the Wimbledon Trophy after defeating Vera Zvonareva of Russia 6-3, 6-2, in the Women's Final at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Tennis Club, in south-west London, on July 3, 2010.
Reuters

Serena Williams poses with her trophy, after defeating Vera Zonareva to win the women's singles final on the Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, Saturday, July 3, 2010.
AP

Serena Williams of the United States holds her trophy after defeating Russia's Vera Zvonareva in their women's singles final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, Saturday, July 3, 2010.
AP

Serena Williams (L) of US and Vera Zvonareva of Russia hold their respective trophies after Williams won the Women's Final 6-3, 6-2, at the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Tennis Club, in south-west London, on July 3, 2010.'
Getty

It's been a long time since I've seen Serena Williams this happy after winning a Slam title. Melbourne 2005, maybe. But she seemed more emotional and relieved for different reasons it seemed. New York 1999?

Today, she emoted pure jubilee. Four Wimbledon titles, 13 Grand Slam singles titles, surpassing Billie Jean King, and entering rarefied air. She has now defended both her Slam titles from last year, the first time in her career to defend two Slams in the same year, and only the third time she's defended a singles Slam crown at all.

Vera Zvonareva's composure held up throughout all of the first set and most of the second, and she was absolutely radiant and gracious, even through tears, after the match. Calling out the surgeon who fixed her ankle when she feared she'd never be able to play again was at once poignant and bizarre. Such is life on Centre Court at SW19. One hell of an effort from a player who's hoed through a tough, tough row.

Sometimes, players do re-invent themselves in a year.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Runner up Vera Zvonareva of Russia poses after losing the Ladies Singles Final Match to Serena Williams of USA on Day Twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 3, 2010 in London, England.
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1 comment:

Beth said...

I love all the photos accompanying your write up. They so joyously reflect the happiness Serena felt in that moment on that day. Great pics and good for her.

July 20, 2010 at 9:09 AM

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