Muguruza crushes Williams to win Wimbledon title

Garbine Muguruza of Spain celebrates during the awarding ceremony for the women's singles final match at the Championship Wimbledon 2017 at Wimbledon, London, on July 15, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

LONDON -- Spain's Garbine Muguruza breezed past five-time winner Venus Williams to win the women's singles title at the Wimbledon Championships here on Saturday.

The 23-year-old, who lost to Venus' younger sister Serena in the 2015 final, won 7-5, 6-0 on Centre Court for her first Wimbledon title to add to her French Open victory in 2016.

Muguruza, playing in her just fourth Wimbledon, reached the final two years ago as a virtual unknown player and was beaten in straight sets by Serena.

She also became the first Spaniard to lift women's trophy following her compatriot Conchita Martinez's win 23 years ago.

Muguraza entered the final ranked No. 15 in the world but will rise to No. 5 now.

An excited Muguraza told the audience, "Yeah, well here it is! When I was beaten by Serena here two years ago she told me one day I would win it, so here I am!"

"Venus is such an incredible player. I grew up watching her play so I feel incredible to be able to play her here. I was composed, I guess. I think it was very, very tough in the first set. We both had a lot of chances but I was glad that I made it."

Venus, 37, who won her last Wimbledon title in 2008, said, "I miss Serena. I tried my best to do the things you do - but I think there will be other opportunities."

Her sister has missed this year's competition because she is expecting her first child in about two months.