Wimbledon joy

In stretching her collection of Grand Slam titles to 21, Serena Williams proves how an indomitable will helps conquer the toll relentless modern tennis takes on athletes’ bodies. In becoming the oldest woman in the Open era to win a Grand Slam, holding all four Grand Slam titles simultaneously for the second time in her career, Serena may leave a record of achievements only an extraordinary athlete can ever hope to match.

Beyond milestones, it’s the brand of brave tennis she has played over the years, like a well-tuned machine, hitting with power and accuracy and with a fierce temperament for competition on any surface, that has made her an icon who will leave an enormous legacy. She herself believes that new technology and new types of physical workouts are doing great things for longevity. Perhaps the key to her greatness lies in her admission that she feels young in life. What is age but a number?

Two other women will have reason to remember this year’s Wimbledon very warmly. Martina Hingis, a former singles champion, is making up for years lost by enjoying doubles play, particularly with her latest partner Sania Mirza. The Indian star, a known champion of women athletes’ rights, seems to have found a soulmate. They have forged a combination that is effective and entertaining. Sania becomes the first Indian woman to win a Grand Slam title and a Wimbledon title, making it a twin feat to be cherished in a sport where grass courts are virtually extant.