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As it happenedended

Wimbledon 2019: Simona Halep stuns Serena Williams in straight sets to win her first title at SW19

Halep was too good for the American and clinched victory in straight sets

Kieran Jackson
Wimbledon
Saturday 13 July 2019 14:12 BST
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Wimbledon Championships in numbers

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Simona Halep beat Serena Williams to win her first Wimbledon final with a stunning performance in straight sets.

The omens had looked good for the American, who has won nine of the 10 previous meetings between these two, but Halep said she is "stronger mentally" than she has been in previous meetings and proved that on Centre Court.

The result showed Halep's all-round talents after claiming last year's French Open on clay. Follow updates from the match in the live blog below:

Last five meetings

2019 Williams d Halep 6-1 4-6 6-4 (Australian Open, hard)

2016 Williams d Halep 6-2 4-6 6-3 (U.S. Open, hard)

2016 Williams d Halep 6-4 6-3 (Indian Wells, hard)

2015 Williams d Halep 6-3 7-6(5) (Cincinnati, hard)

2015 Williams d Halep 6-2 4-6 7-5 (Miami, hard)

*Williams 2-6 1-1 Halep

Tell you what, thats's an excellent hold from Halep to 30!

Serena goes wide on return, and it's one game apiece. 

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:44

Williams 2-6 2-1 Halep*

Williams holds to love, after a rare poor game from Halep, who couldn't make her returns. 

On serve in the second set.

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:47

*Williams 2-6 2-2 Halep

Another stunning point at 30-0, which Halep wins!

A beautifully executed defensive lob is followed by a clinical smash into the open court.

Williams misses into the net, and a hold to love.

Neither player budging on serve so far in the second!

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:50

*Williams 2-6 2-2 Halep (0-30)

0-15. Halep run ragged from side to side, but her effort reaps the rewards as Williams nets a forehand!

Two points from a break.

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:52

*Williams 2-6 2-2 Halep (15-40)

Halep hits a forehand pass into the open court - Williams left helpless at the net!

TWO BREAK POINTS for the Romanian!

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:53

Williams 2-6 2-3 Halep*

HALEP BREAKS!

Blimey. That's what is known in the football world as a sitter. All Serena needs to do is place the backhand down the line running towards the net, but she gets it all wrong and it goes long!

Halep motions to her box, incredible! She has the break!

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:54

On fire.

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:55

They're not the only ones...

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:55

Williams 2-6 2-3 Halep* (30-30)

A dead net cord goes in Williams' favour at 15-15, but a supreme serve-forehand combination by Halep means it's 30-30...

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:57

*Williams 2-6 2-4 Halep

Halep holds. Huge!

An overhit forehand by Serena, and the match really is creeping away from her now. 

Two more holds will do it for Halep...

Kieran Jackson13 July 2019 14:58

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