TENNIS NEWS • WIMBLEDON UPDATE – VENUS BEATS BRITISH HOPEFUL JO KONTA IN STRAIGHT SETS

Written by: Staff on 13th July 2017

TENNIS NEWS • WIMBLEDON UPDATE - VENUS BEATS BRITISH HOPEFUL JO KONTA IN STRAIGHT SETS

epa06085017 Johanna Konta of Britain (L) and Venus Williams of the US prior to their semi final match during the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 13 July 2017. EPA/GERRY PENNY EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO COMMERCIAL SALES |

By Ricky Dimon

At 37 years old, Venus Williams is through to her ninth Wimbledon final and first since 2009 after making quick 6-4, 6-2 work of Johanna Konta on Thursday. Williams thwarted Britain’s last hope in this tournament in just one hour and 13 minutes.

The American struck only one ace to Konta’s seven, but she served at 66 percent and did not get broken a single time–saving both of the break points she faced.

Thus even with Serena Williams sidelined because she is pregnant, the family dominance continues at the All-England Club.

“I’m just trying to represent Williams,” said Venus, who is one win away from her sixth Wimbledon title. “I wish Serena was here.”

The first semifinal was even more routine, as Garbine Muguruza thrashed Magdalena Rybarikova 6-1, 6-1 in one hour and five minutes.

Muguruza, a former Wimbledon runner-up and French Open champion, doubled her unforced error count with winners (22 to 11). She totally outclassed an opponent who was competing in her first major semifinal.

“Didn’t expect anything,” Muguruza said when asked if the match was easier than anticipated. “Just expected myself to be ready as much as I could. Maybe the score did look easier than actually playing during the games.”

Garbine Muguruza of Spain in action against Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia during their semi final match for the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 13 July 2017. EPA/NIC BOTHMA

“Even if the score is 6-1, 4-1 or something, you’re never calm, no matter what. I could be (leading) 6-1, 5-0. Doesn’t matter. I saw in French Open final, one was (up a) set and 3-0 or something, and everything can turn around.”

“It was very difficult match for me,” Rybarikova admitted. “I have to say Garbine was playing (an) amazing match. I mean, I never saw her playing that well. Even (when) I played against her, she never played that good.

“Obviously I was little bit nervous in the beginning. I could not do almost anything today.”

The end result should be a more competitive final, as the Williams vs. Muguruza matchup is a blockbuster. Even with no British woman participating, Centre Court will be buzzing on Saturday.