In a rematch of the Australian Open final, Serena Williams would avenge the Melbourne loss and defeat Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3, to win the Wimbledon title. Williams equaled Steffi Graf’s 22 career grand slam singles titles with the victory.

It was a tremendous serving day for the world no. 1, who would need it as Kerber battled tooth-and nail in the high-intensity, high-caliber affair.

It took very little time for both players to become fully engaged in the match as each played to their strengths early. Serena’s big serve was on point while Kerber counter-punched and found success in rallies.

A question mark coming into the match was the German’s ability to hold serve, which has not been her strength. Williams took her shots at the left-hander’s serve early in the match, but Kerber picked up the pace and was efficient during those games. Meanwhile, her high-quality return of serve kept her competitive against the American’s serve. And to the delight of the Centre Court crowd, compelling tennis was the result.

With each player searching for the slightest edge in the set, Serena would be the one to find it. As Kerber served to stay in it at 5-6, Williams attacked and took advantage of a couple of loose shots to break serve and win the first set.

Early in the second set, with Williams continuing to serve at a high-level, some signs of frustration surfaced from Kerber who threw her hands up on occasion to signal that there was nothing she could do with the big Serena offering.

Nevertheless, Kerber continued with her game plan as she fought point-to-point, putting the American on the run where she drew some errors. But the top-seed was relentless, playing power tennis and with Kerber serving at 3-4, she would find a break of serve.

And as she did all match, Williams would ride her big weapon and quickly consolidate the break to close out a very competitive match.

Williams fired 13 aces and won 38 of 43 first serve points in the match.

Afterward, she addressed the pressure of winning her 22nd major title, “I definitely had some sleepless nights, if I'm honest. Coming so close. Feeling it, not being able to quite get there,” she said. “I've just felt a lot of pressure. I put a lot of that pressure on myself. Obviously had some really tough losses. One thing I learned about last year is to enjoy the moment. I'm definitely going to enjoy this.”

Kerber gave credit to Williams in her post-match press conference. “I think I played what I could today,” Kerber said. “I mean; Serena was serving unbelievable. At the end I was trying everything, but she deserved it today. I think I was not the one who lose the match, I think she won the match. Just one can win, and today Serena deserved it.”

Serena credited the runner-up afterward, “It’s a great feeling to be here. Angelique brings out great tennis in me,” said Serena.

As talk turned to Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam wins, Serena quickly asserted that she will not be targeting any additional historic achievements. “Oh, God, no. I've learned a lot about 22. I learned not to get involved in those debates and conversations,” Serena said.

Serena still had some tennis remaining to be played before leaving London. Her and sister Venus would play for the women’s doubles championship later in the afternoon.