Top-seeded terminator Serena Williams, 31, has defeated the WTA’s Willy Wonka wannabe and defending champion Maria Sharapova in straight sets (6-4, 6-4) to claim her second French Open title in eleven years. Following the early-round exit of her sister, who she defeated for the title in 2002, Williams’s victory marks her career best 31st consecutive win having only lost three matches in the seventy-seven games played since last year’s first round loss at the same tournament.
“I was so nervous, I’m just happy to be champion,” Williams said in French to the at-capacity crowd on Philippe Chatrier Court.
“I had a dream when I was 10 years old that I would win the title here and talk to the crowd in French. I spend a lot of time here [in Paris]… I think I am becoming a Parisienne,” she said before raising the Suzanne Lenglen trophy for the second time.
It’s Serena’s sixteenth singles championship victory; add to that her thirteen doubles and two mixed doubles titles and you’ve got a champion who, though she’s been playing for 18 years, shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
That, and she poses likes a boss.
Rafael Nadal will make his bid for his eighth title at Roland Garros when he takes on fellow Spaniard David Ferrer in tonight’s final.
Photos (in order of appearance): Julian Finney, Kenzo Tribouillard via Getty
via ABC/AFP
