Wimbledon 2018 LIVE: Angelique Kerber stuns Serena Williams to claim her first title at SW19 - latest reaction

It’s finals weekend at Wimbledon and after an astonishing Friday, the drama is set to continue with the women’s final between Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber.

Williams is bidding to win her 24th Grand Slam, a feat that would match Margaret Court’s record, and should she do just that, it will be one of the most remarkable victories ever seen in the game given that she gave birth to her daughter just 10 months ago. But Kerber will be no pushover, with the two-time Grand Slam winner looking to get back to her best form.

Yet before that match, we had the small matter of completing Friday’s action. Kevin Anderson’s mammoth five-set victory, which finished 26-24 in the deciding set, delayed the second semi-final between Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, and when they resumed the match on Saturday afternoon is was Nadal who came out flying to win the fourth set and take it to a decisive fifth. However, Djokovic had enough in the tank to claim the final set 10-8 and reach his first Grand Slam final since the US Open two years ago.

Follow all the live action below...

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17:46

17:41

How much will Angelique Kerber and Serena Williams earn?

 

Wimbledon announced that it raised its total prize pot to £34m in 2018.

 

Here’s how much this year’s Wimbledon winners will earn

17:37

Serena Williams and Angelique Kerber give their thoughts on the final 

 

Serena Williams

 

"It was such an amazing tournament for me, I was really happy to get this far. 

 

"It's obvious disappointing but I can't be disappointed. I have so much to look forward to, I'm just getting started.

 

"I'm just me that's all I can be I tried but Angelique is playing very well, it was really good and I look forward to continue being back out here.

 

"She's an incredible person and she's a really good friend, so I'm really happy for her, it's her first title congratulations again, it's amazing."

 

 

Angelique Kerber 

 

"It's a dream come true. Serena, you're a great persona and a champion, you're such an inspiration for everybody. That's amazing and I'm sure you will have your next Grand Slam title soon.

 

"I knew that I had to play my best tennis against a champion like Serena and it's an honour to share a court with her.

 

"It was my second chance to play here, I really enjoyed my last two weeks here

 

"Thank you to my box, my family, my friends my team at home. Without you, I wouldn't be here.

 

"I think she's (Mother) always nervous and I was trying to not look at her."

 

 

17:27

Angelique Kerber 

 

What a moment as Angelique Kerber lifts the Venus Rose Water dish proudly above her head. 

17:27

Serena Williams

 

The 2018 runner-up Serena Williams collects her second place plate, tasting defeat in the Wimbledon final for the third time. 

17:25

Angelique Kerber is Wimbledon Champions

 

Kerber was in charge of the whole game and did exceptionally well to keep Williams at arms' length. Williams had her chances but lacked any conviction when riding up to win points, and Kerber was determined to return absolutely everything. 

17:24

Angelique Kerber is Wimbledon Champions

 

Kerber is off to hug her coaching staff and mother in the box as Williams is left on the court wondering what might have been. Kerber adds WImbledon to her Australian Open and US Open victories.

 

17:22

GAME, SET, MATCH

17:22

Angelique Kerber 6-3 6-3 Serenea Williams

 

Angelique Kerber is Wimbledon champion 

17:21

Angelique Kerber* 6-3 Serenea Williams

 

5-3

 

Williams is sensing the nervousness in Kerber and steps forward to draw the game 30-30. Kerber serves well and Williams returns the ball high but Kerber takes the point and is one serve from winning. 

17:20

Angelique Kerber* 6-3 Serenea Williams

 

5-3

 

A long rally ends with the smallest of touches off Williams' racket to ease the ball over the net and out of Kerber's reach. 30-15.

17:19

Angelique Kerber* 6-3 Serenea Williams

 

5-3

 

Kerber is serving for the set and gets things underway with an ace. Williams has an open court in front of her at the net, that is the story of her afternoon. She is trying to force her way back into the tie but nothing is coming off. 30-0

17:17

Angelique Kerber 6-3 Serenea Williams

 

5-3

 

A second ace in three serves is followed by another powerful serve which sees Williams take the game without dropping a point.

17:16

Angelique Kerber 6-3 Serenea Williams*

 

5-2

 

An ace to start for Williams who perhaps takes away some nerves, then follows it up with another strong serve. 0-30.

17:15

Angelique Kerber 6-3 Serenea Williams*

 

5-2

 

Here we go, one huge game for Kerber and Serena Williams. Williams have been soft when going for the kill and Kerber is returning everything coming at her.

17:14

Angelique Kerber* 6-3 Serenea Williams

 

5-2

 

The crowd get a telling off from the umpire after shouts continued as Kerber winds up to serve. Not that it stopped her as the German storms to within touching distance of her first Wimbledon title. 

BREAK OF SERVE

17:12

Angelique Kerber 6-3 Serenea Williams*

 

4-2

 

Superb play from Kerber, she refuses to be beaten. Again, Williams fails to make best advantage of the chance to win the point and Kerber returns to take two break points. Two becomes one as Williams goes on the offensive but Kerber hits a clean winner along the line and is two games away from the title.

 

17:09

Angelique Kerber 6-3 Serenea Williams*

 

3-2

 

Better mentality from Williams who shows better determination to chase points which appeared lost. Having said that, unforced errors suggest that moments of brilliance are papering over some cracks. 15-15

17:08

Angelique Kerber 6-3 Serenea Williams 

 

3-2

 

That feeling when you are on top in a Wimbledon final. You feel a break in Williams' serve now might grant her the trophy. 

 

17:05

Angelique Kerber* 6-3 Serenea Williams

 

3-2

 

Kerber is serving with so much confidence at the moment. She is pushing forward after serving and Williams is struggling to battle back after returning her first serve. Williams hits back and 40-0 becomes deuce. The American produces a wayward shot and Kerber holds.

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