Angelique Kerber was celebrated by the international press after her Wimbledon victory. But there was also much praise for her opponent in the final, Serena Williams.
The Sun: “Angelique Kerber comes from Germany, where they tell fairy tales in a different way. Serena had to know that, too. A sporting nobility and two real duchesses had gathered to watch the queen of the Centre Court return to the throne less than a year after the birth of her daughter. But after a turnaround like the Brothers Grimm, Kerber refused the American woman her happy ending.”
Mirror: “The angel spreads his wings and keeps Serena waiting. After the triumph, Kerber fell on his back. Her story is that of a struggle after she first rose to number one in 2016 and then lost her form.”
Daily Mail: “Kate, Meghan, Tiger Woods, Lewis Hamilton – the rich and beautiful had come to Wimbledon to admire the ultimate story of a mother athlete. Unfortunately for her and for Serena Williams there was still the uninvited party guest: Angelique Kerber ran off with the champagne and spoiled the whole party. Kerber is the kind of player who parks a bus on the baseline. She was the well-earned winner.”
Daily Star: “Kerber destroys the hearts of all those who believe in fairy tales. She can beat Mama Serena Williams in 65 minutes. Nothing in sports is as beautiful as a good comeback story. Unfortunately, Serena couldn’t hit like an old champion. The Duchesses of Cambridge and Sussex, golfer Tiger Woods and Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton hoped for a miracle. But Kerber remained ice-cold.”
The Telegraph: “Wimbledon’s dream of Serena Williams”Mum-back’ ended in a final failure. The mother, who wanted to play for all the mothers in the world, lost in only 65 minutes. Angelique Kerber plays an often underestimated game. Her blows rarely have much power and the forehand comes as with a frying pan beaten. But those legs! Kerber is the ultimate roadrunner.”
The Times: “The stage was set for Serena Williams’ hailed return to Wimbledon. For her victory as first mother in 38 years. But Angelique Kerber apparently doesn’t think much of perfectly elaborated scripts.”
ESPN: “Serena Williams had a pretty easy way into the Wimbledon final. Angelique Kerber ensured that this path came to an end.”
New York Times: “The focus was on the comeback of Serena Williams. But Angelique Kerber’s comeback also tells the world a story: about perseverance, overcoming weaknesses through the further development of strengths. And about sticking to his plan in a Wimbledon final against an opponent of superior strength and experience.”
The Washington Post: “Serena Williams has won her biggest, hardest earned title: Champion of women. Nothing against Angelique Kerber, who is a great champion, but Kerber only played against one opponent. Williams played against many of them, including time and nature.”
Marca: “Kerber ends Serena’s dream comeback and silences the All England Club. Everyone was there to see Serena’s party. But she kept smashing up on a wall called Angelique Kerber.”
AS: “Kerber was too big for Williams. The German played the tennis queen on a grand scale, she was a rock on the court. After Steffi Graf in 1996, German tennis is flourishing again.”
El Mundo Deportivo: “Serena could not get through the solid German Wall. Angelique Kerber is writing history for German tennis again.”
L’Equipe: “Kerber was hungry against the’Queen’ from the start. That Saturday, she was ruthless. “With precision and conviction, she forced her opponent to make mistakes.”
Le Monde: “Angelique Kerber is back at the highest level. With an outstanding defensive performance the German used the mistakes of her opponent.”
Gazzetta dello Sport: “Angelique is back, Kerber simply perfect: She humiliates Serena Williams. The results of 2016 were smoky for Kerber. But now she has shown strength and courage.”
Corriere dello Sport: “Kerber, Queen of Wimbledon! Angelique has matured late, unlike other players, but her talent is undeniable. “She came up with the perfect plan to take Serena’s throne.”
Tuttosport: “A German conquers Wimbledon. According to Steffi Graf, Angelique Kerber is the new German queen of tennis to whom tough Serena Williams must surrender.”
Corriere della Sera: “Serena Williams played devastatingly and made one mistake after another. She moves hardly and badly, but it is normal – only ten months ago she gave birth to her daughter. Kerber is the true heiress of Steffi Graf.”
La Repubblica: “Wimbledon speaks German and bows to Angelique Kerber. Serena Williams must be content with a second place that corresponds to the true balance of power on the field.”
Look: “New Wimbledon queen Angie!”
Neue Zürcher Zeitung: “Kerber follows in Graf’s footsteps. Williams had no chance in the final.”
Kronen Zeitung: “Williams defeated! Kerber is Queen of Wimbledon.”