Garbine Muguruza defeated Serena Williams 7-5 6-4 in the French Open final to win her third career title and her maiden Grand Slam.

After losing the Wimbledon final last year to Williams, Muguruza ensured this match would have a different ending, looking more assured and confident than last year.

Assured performance from Muguruza

Heading into the match as a slight underdog, the 22-year-old did not let the occasion overawe her as she took a break lead in the first set before serving out to take the set. The second set was much of the same for the Spaniard as she kept her cool as the second set started with three breaks with Muguruza gaining the advantage. Saving many break points on the way it was down to Muguruza to serve out the match and she did so in confusing circumstances. With Williams coming towards the net, Muguruza went for the lob which Williams ultimately left leaving Muguruza thinking it was out until Williams started applauding and the crowd joined in, confirming to the Spaniard that she had just won her first Grand Slam. Collapsing on the floor to the crowd’s applause, Muguruza was congratulated by Williams.

Test
Williams has been stuck on 21 Grand Slam victories since last year's Wimbledon win. | Image: Getty

Third 1st time winner in a row - how will Serena react?

This was the third Grand Slam in a row in which there was a first time winner after Flavia Pennetta at the US Open and Angelique Kerber at the Australian Open. The loss also leaves Williams on 21 Grand Slams, one behind Steffi Graf on 22 and the American will be wondering how she hasn’t matched or surpassed that total, losing two Grand Slam finals in a row for the first time in her career. Likely to still be the favourite for the last two slams of the year, it appears that Williams may have a mental hurdle to get over rather than a physical hurdle.

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