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Williams Takes Home Fourth Wimbledon Crown

With tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King and Virginia Wade looking on, Venus Williams showed the heart of a champion in claiming her fourth Wimbledon crown at the All England Club and sixth career Grand Slam title.

In the ladies championship, Williams defeated France’s Marion Bartoli in straight sets 6-4, 6-1 to become the lowest seeded woman in the Open Era at No.23 to win the prestigious rosewater dish. She also becomes the fourth woman in the Open Era to win four Wimbledon titles, joining elite company in King, Navratilova and Steffi Graf. Williams has also been crowned champion twice at the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001.

Using penetrating groundstrokes off both wings and remarkable foot speed, Williams was able to get the better of her feisty opponent who, as a first time Grand Slam finalist, seemed at home on tennis’ grandest stage. The 27-year-old American played like the Venus of old during this Wimbledon fortnight, particularly in the second week. She seemed invincible in dismantling three Top 10 players, Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Ana Ivanovic in consecutive matches en route to the final.

Bartoli, 22, was also no slouch in advancing to the title match, disposing of World No.1 Justine Henin in the semifinals and third-ranked Jelena Jankovic in the Round of 16.

Williams and sister Serena have now won two of the three Grand Slam tournaments this season after Serena captured top honours in emphatic fashion ‘Down Under’ at the Australian Open. Venus also took home her 34th Tour title at Memphis earlier this year in her first event back from a left wrist injury.

The 2007 women’s singles draw was not only characterized by numerous lengthy rain delays, but also several significant upsets of the Tour’s elite players. Defending Rogers Cup champion Ana Ivanovic proved once again she is a force to be reckoned with, playing her way into the semifinals after posting a dramatic come from behind victory over Czech teen Nicole Vaidisova in the quarter-finals. The 19-year-old Serbian sensation came from match point down in the third set to eliminate a fellow rising star. Meanwhile, the “Swiss Miss” Martina Hingis made her much anticipated return to the court on the Wimbledon lawns after being hampered by hip problems for much of the season.     

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