At 37, Venus Williams was trying to become the oldest woman to win a Grand Slam title.
WIMBLEDON, England — Garbine Muguruza of Spain won her second career Grand Slam title when she defeated 37-year-old Venus Williams 7-5,6-0 in the Wimbledon final on Saturday.
The 14th-seeded Muguruza, who won her first Grand Slam title at the 2016 French Open, reached her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in 2015. On that occasion, Muguruza fell to Serena Williams in straight sets.
Both players went on court without winning a title this year. Williams, who also played in the Australian Open final, held a 3-1 record against Muguruza heading into the match.
Muguruza, 23, playing under the watchful eye of Juan Carlos I of Spain sitting in the Royal Box, took the 10th seed Williams’ game apart piece-by-piece in the 77-minute match.
While Muguruza took advantage of four of seven break points, Williams failed to execute on all three break point opportunities presented.
Williams held two set points on Muguruza’s serve in the 10th game of the first set, but couldn’ t finish off the set on those opportunities. In particular, Williams had the momentum in a long rally on that first set point, but lost it with a netted forehand.
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Muguruza broke serve on a second break point in the 11th game when Williams sailed a forehand long, and from that point on Muguruza was in complete charge of the match.
A deflated Williams showed little energy in the second set, and clearly couldn’ t handle Muguruza expertly moving her around the court.
Williams was looking for her sixth Wimbledon title — and eighth Grand Slam trophy — in the final. Despite the loss, Williams was all smiles during the award presentation.
After the match, she was asked if she had a message for Serena, who is home awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I miss you, ” Venus said. “I tried my best to do the same things you do. I think there will be other opportunities. I do.”
