Serena wins battle of champions

A fighting performance from Amelie Mauresmo could only delay the inevitable for so long as a strong Centre Court showing from Serena Williams saw the American come through 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 in the battle of the former champions.

 

Few credited Mauresmo, who has suffered loss of form and repeated injury since her win here in 2006, with much of a chance in this match, yet for a long time there was no telling where the first set would go.

It began badly for the Frenchwoman, with her first delivery of the match a double fault. Having already held her own serve, Williams brought up two break points with a passing shot down the line, and converted with a simple volley.

Chances for Mauresmo to break back came and went as rain spotted the blustery Centre Court. It was vital she did not let her opponent establish momentum and commendably she dragged the break back. In the very next game, a couple of elementary errors gave Williams the advantage again. Yet still Mauresmo fought, and poor Williams footwork gave her another chance. Mauresmo put away the volley and was back on terms.

Williams attempted to step up her aggression, shrieking her way through serve-and-volley, but was over-egging her forehand. Come the tie-break, an extraordinary point brought the first mini-break when Mauresmo superbly lobbed Williams, only to see Serena reply with a lob of even greater quality.

Mauresmo levelled but was then obliged to send a crosscourt forehand wide to give away set point. She then dropped her backhand into the net and the set was over.

	Amelie Mauresmo FRA (29)					65		1
	Serena Williams USA (6)					77		6