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

Wimbledon Championships in numbers

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)

[13 July 2019 15:43 · Kieran Jackson]

[13 July 2019 15:44 · Kieran Jackson]

[13 July 2019 15:45 · Kieran Jackson]

Well, the change worked!

[13 July 2019 15:49 · Kieran Jackson]

Set the tone from the off.

[13 July 2019 15:51 · Kieran Jackson]

Imagine playing the best match of your life, in the biggest match of your life. 

Bravo Simona Halep!

[13 July 2019 15:59 · Kieran Jackson]

Serena Williams, speaking in her post-match press conference:

"She played great. I was trying different things, I made way too many errors."

"I just have to figure out a way to win finals....

"I don't think there was too much tension.

"She was getting so many balls back. I was overhitting it, going for too much.

"Any loss isn't easy. When someone plays lights out there's not a lot you can do. 

On the Duchess of Sussex supporting:

"Having her as a friend is great, always positive no matter what.

[13 July 2019 16:08 · Kieran Jackson]

Serena Williams, speaking in her post-match press conference:

"She was playing her heart out. I don't know if there was anything I could have done differently. 

"I still feel I'm incredibly competitive. I'm on the right track. 

"My knee feels great. 

"Someone told me I shouldn't look at the records, and that's what I've been doing. 

"I definitely felt the support and the love. I wanted to do better!"

In reply to a question on whether she should stop being a celebrity and fighting for equality, and focus on tennis:

"The day I stop fighting for equality is the day I'll be in my grave."

Blunt end to the presser!

[13 July 2019 16:09 · Kieran Jackson]

[13 July 2019 16:10 · Kieran Jackson]

[13 July 2019 16:12 · Kieran Jackson]

And here's Paul Newman's report, from Wimbledon: