How super Serena created history at Wimbledon 2016

Serena Williams made it a Super Saturday as she outgunned Angelique Kerber 7-5, 6-3 to win her seventh Wimbledon singles title and equalled Steffi Graf's record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

It has been a hard and competitive fortnight for Serena, who last won a Grand Slam title at the same venue last year. She had lost the Australian Open and French Open finals in 2016 but as history beckoned, the American legend burst into brilliance on July 9.

As Serena kept serving sizzlers right through the one-hour-and-21-minute contest, she throttled her German opponent in the ninth game of the second set by uncorking three service winners.

A lead of 40-love, Serena knew there was no question of taking any chance as she then smacked a volley winner to seal victory for her 22nd Grand Slam title.

Also read - Bad weather is almost as good as a tradition for Wimbledon

Serena's body language was no different from that of a boxer in the ring. Having been under intense scrutiny at The Championships - from her game to anatomy - the way Serena kept pumping herself had to be seen. Her bulging biceps looked even stronger as she would goad herself for victory after winning points.

Yet, the emotion after winning the title was so different. Serena fell on her back after sealing victory, then stood up and hugged Kerber. As she moved out of the arena, she flashed the V-sign with both hands.

The trophy presentation, a short and sweet event at Wimbledon, saw Serena flash her megawatt smile. And after she received the trophy, she paid rich tribute to her opponent. "Angelique is a great opponent and winning my 22nd title is such a great feeling. It's awesome to win and I love you guys so much," she said to the Centre Court audience.

The celebration did not end there. Serena went for her regular TV interview and then stood in the All England Club balcony and showed her prized trophy to all the fans sitting in the huge grass hill.

This was a match where there was huge pressure on Serena. She had kept her calm by playing solid tennis but the key was to come out firing in the final. That she did with purpose and poise, serving bombs and not letting Kerber do much.

For sheer court presence, coverage and shot production, the winners Serena executed were a treat to watch. It was not as though Kerber looked like a bystander.

Also read - Yes, Serena Williams is awesome. But where are the players to test her?

The German played as well as she could but the pressure was too intense. She lost serve in the first set when she blinked in the 12th game of the first set, courtesy forced and unforced errors.

From there, Kerber had to do something more than routine. When Serena was not winning points by serving big, there were engrossing rallies as well. It suited Kerber when she played many shots cross court as the natural angle conjured by a left-hander meant Serena had to stretch more.

The key was to hit winners against Serena and that did not happen. On this day, Serena served 13 aces which were too hot for Kerber to handle.

At a time when people talk about women's tennis getting new champions, one should not be surprised if Serena keeps going. She has played brilliant tennis and the Centre Court's heart and hormones are still with her at Wimbledon.

Margaret Court's 22 Grand Slam titles came in a different era and Serena has the game to get to it. From John McEnroe to Lindsay Davenport, each is in awe of super Serena.