Roger Federer becomes the first male to win eight Wimbledon titles

Roger Federer has become the first male to win eight Wimbledon titles following his straight sets victory over Croatian Marin Cilic.

Federer also extended his illustrious record of Grand Slam titles to a lofty 19 as he defeated seventh seed Cilic 6-3 6-1 6-4 in a one hour and 41 minutes walkover. Cilic showed signs of struggle during the second set as he broke down in tears through the pain of blisters on his left foot. The medical team came down to soothe the Croat’s pain and succeeded enough as Cilic found the strength to complete the match.

[tweet1 shortcode=”tweet1″]

In truth, Cilic never really looked at the races as 35 year old Federer became the oldest male in the Open era to win the championship at Wimbledon.

Federer said: “It is cruel sometimes. But Marin fought well and is a hero, so congratulations on a wonderful tournament.”

The Swiss star took a six month break from Tennis following last year’s Wimbledon failure to Milos Raonic and the results have been fantastic, winning two of the three Grand Slam titles available; Wimbledon and the Australian Open. His record of 19 major titles places him joint-fourth with Helen Wills Moody on the all-time list, five away from leader Margaret Court who has 24.

Federer is also just one Wimbledon title behind Martina Navratilova, who has nine successes at the All England Club.

In the Women’s final, Spain’s Garbine Muguruza won her first Wimbledon title after toppling 37 year old Venus Williams on centre court. The Spaniard beat the experienced American in a crushing straight sets win, with a tight 7-5 opening set victory, followed up with a 6-0 demolition job to seal the championship.

It is just a second title success for the 23 year old following on from her French Open success over Serena Williams back in 2016. If Wimbledon is anything to go by, however, the current 14th seed could have plenty more titles coming her way in the future.

Muguruza had previously reached the final two years ago as a plucky 21 year old, losing out to Venus’s sister Serena in a straight sets loss. This time around, Muguruza was not to be held back as she denied the 37 year old the chance to become the oldest female Grand Slam champion in the Open Era.

[tweet2 shortcode=”tweet2″]

Williams herself was playing in her ninth Wimbledon singles final, having won five in the past (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008). Venus’s last opportunity at Wimbledon success came in 2009’s loss to Serena Williams, making this year’s her first SW19 final in eight years.

Muguruza said: “When I was a little girl, I was watching these finals. I was watching Venus. I know it sounds incredible. To be able to play against her and now hold the big trophy, it means a lot.”

“I only play against the Williams sisters. It’s incredible. It’s the best final you can get – Serena or Venus. She [Venus] has won five times here, she’s an expert.