Kerber: Serena deserved to win

A gallant Angelique Kerber has paid tribute to a masterful performance by Serena Williams after going down to the American in the women’s singles final at Wimbledon on Saturday.

Kerber pushed the world No.1 all the way in the high-quality decider on Centre Court, and admitted she’d fought as hard as she could.

“I think I played what I could today. I can just say – I mean, Serena was serving unbelievable today. At the end I was trying everything, but she deserved it today. She really played an unbelievable match. I think we both play on a really high level. I try everything,” she said.

“Of course it feels disappoint(ing), that’s for sure. But also I know that I played a good final. I lost against a really strong Serena today.

“This makes a little bit better, that I know that she won the match, not that I lose the match, because she played very well. I also played a good match. That makes a little easier for me.”

Kerber famously defeated Williams the last time they met in a Grand Slam final at Australian Open 2016.

Victory on Saturday would have seen her become the first player in history to beat both Williams sisters back-to-back in a major semifinal and final.

Yet after beating Venus in straight sets on Thursday, she fell to the younger Williams 7-5 6-3.

“After this amazing two weeks, I just can say that I give everything,” Kerber said.

“At the end I’m also proud about that what I did, also after Paris (where she lost in the first round). I reach my second Grand Slam final in this year.

“It was amazing final. I really enjoy the final today. It was a great atmosphere out there. I will never forget the feeling.”

Kerber will return to world No.2, after first setting that career-high mark following her victory at Melbourne Park.

But unlike that final – in which Kerber stunned Williams, the overwhelming favourite, in three sets – the German said that both Williams serve and the surface were key factors in that result being reversed in London.

“Today just her serve was much better. On grass the serve is also a little bit strange because it’s tougher to return it. That was, I think, the only thing which changed from Australia,” Kerber noted.

“I also like to play against her because I know that against her you have to play your best tennis. She is putting me to playing hundred percent.

“She’s a great opponent to play, but also a great person. She’s a champion … When you are playing against her, I know that you have to give everything to play a good match or to beat her.”