London: Serena Williams vowed to use the pain of her shock Wimbledon final defeat against Angelique Kerber to fuel her bid for future Grand Slam glory. Serena was hoping to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Major titles by winning her eighth Wimbledon crown, Saturday. However, she lost 3-6, 3-6 to German Kerber.
While Serena was frustrated by the surprise setback, she took heart from her run to the final in just the fourth tournament of her comeback following daughter Olympia’s birth in September.
“It was such an amazing tournament for me. I was really happy to get this far,” Serena told reporters after her match. “It’s (the loss) is obviously disappointing, but I cannot lose heart. I have so much to look forward to and I am just getting started. I entered Wimbledon just wanting to win some matches. It was super encouraging to know that I can compete and do well.”
After playing Wimbledon, I feel I have taken the right steps to start my comeback. The performance here has shown me I can win Grand Slams
Serena Williams
Serena endured life-saving surgery after Olympia’s difficult delivery and serving as an inspiration to mothers all over the world had been part of the former World No.1’s decision to return to tennis. Her presence in the final of a Grand Slam in just her 14th match since that traumatic experience has convinced Serena she can catch Court and even break her record in the future.
“I didn’t know a couple of months ago how I would be able to come back. It was such a long way to see light at the end of the road,” she pointed out. “So I think these two weeks have really showed me that, okay, I can come out and be a contender to win Grand Slams.
“I just feel like I’m taking the steps in the right direction. I took a giant step at Wimbledon. But my journey has just begun. This is literally just the beginning. It’s good to just continue that path.”
After failing to become the first mother to win Wimbledon since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980, Serena admitted she was powerless to prevent the inspired Kerber taking the title.
“To all the mums out there, I was playing for you, and I tried but Angelique played really well, she played out of her mind,” Serena said while lauding her opponent. “She’s an incredible person, a really good friend, so I am really happy for her.”