LONDON (TIP): Five-time champion Venus Williams rolled back the years to reach her first Wimbledon final since 2009 with a clinically executed 6-4 6-2 victory over British hope Johanna Konta on July 13 (Thursday).
Konta was looking to become the first woman on home soil to reach the Wimbledon final since Virginia Wade in 1977, but she was picked off at crucial times by the 37- year-old Williams, who will face Garbine Muguruza in Saturday’s final.
Williams, who claimed the last of her Wimbledon titles nine years ago, was too strong for her opponent from the baseline and was able to produce booming serves whenever the Briton threatened.
After initially going toe-to-toe with the seven-time Grand Slam winner, Konta was unable to put Williams under sustained pressure and ended the contest a clear second best, losing eight of the final 10 games.
Konta saved two match points before Williams finally ended her resistance, smashing a forehand that flew past the Briton and left the American to twirl in celebration on Centre Court. “I’ve played a lot of finals here. One more win will be amazing. It won’t be a given but I’ll give it my all,” Williams said. “The crowd were very nice to me. The crowd were so fair, I know they love Jo.”