Venus Williams has extended Great Britain’s 40-year wait for a female finalist at Wimbledon after dispatching of Johanna Konta 6-4, 6-2, in the semifinals of the tournament.
Thursday’s match at SW19 saw experience prevail in Williams’ favour. Against Konta she was bidding to win her 87th match of the tournament to reach her ninth final. Meanwhile, her rival was aiming to win only her seventh match and progress to her maiden major final. This difference proved detrimental as the 37-year-old moved effortlessly around the court. Meanwhile, a nervous Konta struggled with her own consistency as well as her opponent’s power.
“She played so well. No point was easy.” Williams told the BBC about Konta following the match. “I just tried to climb on top each time to get another point and then ‘wow’ it was done. I’m just so happy.”
Gracing Centre Court, both players were resilient during the start of the match by giving away very few chances. Williams’ power guided her throughout the set against Konta, who continued to apply the pressure with an array of winners. Eight games came and went before it was the Brit who grabbed the first opportunity.
A winning forehand down the line from Konta elevated her to a duo of break points, but she was denied by Williams’ gutsy play. On the second break point, the American managed to hit a 106 mph second serve to force the game to deuce before moving ahead 5-4. The comeback frazzled Konta’s mind as she served to stay in contention. Unexpectedly, three consecutive unforced errors from the sixth seed guided Williams to a trio of set points. She then converted on her second after a backhand from Konta drifted long.
The anti-climatic end to the opening set continued into the second. Williams had lost to Konta on three previous occasions and she knew the crowd was against her. Nevertheless, she was too strong for the home player. Another error-stricken Konta service game secured break No.2 for Williams as she edged closer towards the final. The win was inevitable as the animated British crowd grew silent, knowing that there will be no home representation in the final. Admirably Konta kept fighting until the end by saving a duo of match points. Still, it wasn’t enough as 37-year-old Williams progressed to her second grand slam final of the year with the help of a clean forehand winner down the line.
“I have played a lot of finals here. It has been a blessing.” Said Williams, who last played in a Wimbledon final in 2009. “I couldn’t have asked for more, but I’ll ask for a little more. You know, one more win would be amazing. It won’t be a given, but I’m going to give it my all.”
The dream continues
Playing in her 20th Wimbledon main draw, Williams’ route into this year’s tournament was marred by a car crash that resulted in a fatality. Still, she managed to seek solace on the court by dismissing four seeded players in the draw. Against Konta, she also had to contend with the British crowd. Although, she never felt intimidated by them.
“I thought the crowd was very nice to me actually. They could have been really boisterous, but I thought they were so fair.” She explained.
“I know that they love Jo and she gave it her all today. There is a lot pressure. It is a lot of pressure. I thought she handled it well. I think my experience just helped a lot.”
Standing in her way of the title is Garbine Muguruza. She leads their head-to-head 3-1, but lost to her in Rome earlier this year. Looking ahead to the clash Williams will seek advice first sister Serena. Serena defeated the Spaniard in the 2015 final at SW19.
“We both play really well on the grass.” Williams said about facing Muguruza. “The last time she played Serena (in a Wimbledon final) so I’ll have to ask Serena for some pointers.”
Williams is the oldest finalist in the tournament’s history since Martina Navratilova in 1994. She has also become the most successful active female player at Wimbledon with 87 wins.
