Serena Williams: winning 22 Grand slam titles awesome

Minutes after clinching a record-equalling 22nd grand slam singles title at the Wimbledon 2016, former champions of the All England Tennis Championship have continued to pour encomiums on Serena Williams.

The American exacted sweet revenge over Angelique Kerber in the Wimbledon final decided on Saturday. She endured a shock defeat to Kerber at the Australian Open in January, but there was to be no repeat on Centre Court as she edged a thrilling contest 7-5, 6-3.

The world number one is now tied with Steffi Graf at the top of the open era women’s champions list and just two short of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 titles.

Billie Jean King, six-time Wimbledon champion described this feat as great, adding that “The difference was the serve, because their groundstrokes they matched up so well.

“It is the most beautiful serve ever. I remember seeing Serena when she was probably 11 or 12 and her technique was beautiful and she is such a terrific athlete.

“Serena hates losing and I think that is what makes her so great. If Serena can keep her motivation and stay healthy I think she can be the greatest ever. I think she is and will be, but she needs to do it.”

To Lindsay Davenport, 1999 Wimbledon champion: “This has been the goal since Serena left the tournament 12 months ago, to get to 22 and seven Wimbledon titles.

“She has been a woman on a mission for two weeks. She had one iffy match against [Christina] McHale and that was it.”

John McEnroe, three-time Wimbledon champion said Serena has the potential to be great: “I do think it is highly likely that will happen [Williams overtaking Court], she has tremendous will and desire. If you want to be the greatest of the great, that is the way you have to play.

“I don’t see anyone on the horizon that will mean she doesn’t get at least a couple more quickly.”