Hello and welcome to LIVE updates of the 2018 Wimbledon Ladies' final between 23-time Grand-slam champion Serena Williams and former world number one, Angelique Kerber. It's a repeat of the final in SW19 two years ago and marks a remarkable return to action for Serena, and a welcome one for the rejuvenated Angie. The players are due on court around 16:00 BST - later than initially scheduled due to the conclusion of the Novak Djokovic v Rafael Nadal men's semi final.
A. Kerber vs S. Williams | Wimbledon
Women's Singles | Final | 14.07.2018 | Centre Court
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A. Kerber (11)
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S. Williams (25)
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Updated 14/07/2018 at 16:34 GMT
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Kerber: "It's just a dream come true again. But first I have to say, Serena, you are just a great person and champion. You are an inspiration for everybody, for all of us. It's amazing and I'm sure you'll have your next Grand Slam title soon, I'm really, really sure. Congrats on coming back."
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Image credit: Eurosport
Serena's voice breaks with emotion as she speaks post-match: "To all the mum's out there - I was playing for you today. I tried, but erm, you know Angelique played really well. It was really good - I look forward to just continuing to being back out here and doing what I do best.
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Image credit: Getty Images
The victory will move Kerber up to fourth in the world when the new rankings are published on Monday. Serena is up to 28 after starring in just her fourth tournament back.
Trophy time!
The match lasted just one hour and five minutes.
It's Kerber's third Grand Slam title. She's just missing the French Open crown now.
GAME, SET AND MATCH!- S.WILLIAMS 3-6 3-6 KERBER. Angie has done it! The No.11 seed claims a surprise straight sets victory over 23-time Grand Slam champion, Serena Williams. The American couldn't quite make it a fairytale success after the well-documented problems she suffered after giving birth in September last year. Kerber got tight serving it out, but did enough, tumbling to the ground in delight at the end.
She gives Serena a huge hug at the net. A great moment.
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In-game update: More brilliant defence from Kerber makes Serena play one more ball. The American contrives to blaze a volley at the net long and it's 30-0.
An epic rally follows and Serena mixes it up with a bewitching drop volley to outfox the No.11 seed: 30-15.
A sizzling return is just too hot for Kerber to handle and it's 30-30.
The German is nervous but somehow finds the line with a deep forehand - MATCH POINT!
WILLIAMS 3-6 3-5 KERBER. Just what SW23 would have wanted. She romps to a love hold. Over to Kerber now to try and serve it out. Will she get tight?
S.WILLIAMS 3-6 2-5 KERBER. If Serena is going to make a charge, she needs to do it now. Kerber consolidates with a strong hold to 15 and is one game away from a maiden Wimbledon title.
S.WILLIAMS 3-6 2-4 KERBER. More stonking defence from Kerber, hitting the lines and forcing Serena back. She never gives up on a supposed lost cause and gets her reward with a brilliant winner down the line on the run to tee up two break points. Williams saves one, but then the German unloads a forehand down the line to break with real panache.
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Well said.
S.WILLIAMS 3-6 2-3 KERBER. Serena lets out a frustrated and disappointed whimper as she slaps a weak backhand into the net. It undoes all of her hard work after she had pressed to deuce from 40-0 down. Kerber is under much more pressure in this set, but is somehow keeping her nose in front.
Have you seen much of the 'Being Serena' series? If not, you're missing out. Check out one of our clips below.
S.WILLIAMS 3-6 2-2 KERBER. Serena dumps an easy forehand into the net but then outlasts Kerber in a tasty rally to get over the line and level when the German cannons a forehand just long.
S.WILLIAMS 3-6 1-2 KERBER. Angie clings on.
The No.11 seed nearly loses her head when Serena crashes a volley right at her - but it somehow misses and just goes long. The seven-time Wimbledon champion has her chances on second serves from 15-30, but can't find her return. Kerber survives and maintains the scoreboard advantage.
S.WILLIAMS 3-6 1-1 KERBER. Serena is struggling to keep up with the movement and supreme defence of Kerber. She makes 30-30 and then gets lucky when the German opts against the empty space down the line and fires a crosscourt attempt straight at the American. Serena halts it with a great drop volley and vents the frustration with a huge scream. A big serve down the middle T finishes it off and gets her on the board.