Double record! Serena is first mother in 38 years and lowest ranked to reach Wimbledon final

Published

6 years ago

July 12, 2018

Serena Williams became the first mother in 38 years, and also lowest ranked player, to reach the Wimbledon final. She beat Germany’s Julia Goerges 6-2 6-4 on Thursday.

The 36-year-old was back in a Grand Slam final just 10 months after giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia.

“It’s crazy. I don’t even know how to feel because I literally didn’t think I’d do this well in my fourth tournament back in 16 months,” said the American.

Serena won the 2017 Australian Open while in the early stages of her pregnancy.

“When I don’t have anything to lose, I can just play so free and that’s what I’m doing.

“This is not inevitable for me, I had a really tough delivery and multiple surgeries and almost didn’t make it to be honest.

“I couldn’t even walk to my mailbox, so it’s definitely not normal for me to be in a Wimbledon final.

“I’m enjoying every moment.”

At 181st in the world, Williams is the lowest ranked player to reach the women’s final.

However, that number will fool no one, and especially not Kerber who was runner-up to the American in the 2016 final.

Related Topics:Alexis Olympia Serena Serena Williams Wimbledon final

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South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

Published

12 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Sports

Ghana Black Stars in disarray as 8 players withdraw from 2025 Afcon qualifiers

Published

2 days ago

November 12, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The chances of the Black Stars of Ghana qualifying for the 2025 AFCON seems slimmer by the day with the withdrawal of eight first team players from the squad as the team prepares for crucial qualifiers against against Angola on November 15 in Luanda and against Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium on November 18.

The latest to pull out of the double headed qualifiers are Inaki Williams and Antoine Semenyo due to injuries, with the withdrawals forcing head coach Otto Addo, to scramble for last minute replacements to reshape his squad with little time to spare.

Other top stars who have withdrawn from the team are Thomas Partey, Tariq Lamptey and Jerome Opoku

Others are Jonas Adjetey, Alexander Djiku and Joseph Paintsil, all of whom have been sidelined due to injuries or personal reasons.

Ghana currently sits in third place in Group F with two points, trailing Angola, who leads with 12 points, and Sudan with seven points.

To stand any chance of qualifying, the Black Stars must win all their remaining matches and hope Sudan stumble in their final games.