Serena Williams of The United States holds the trophy following victory in The Ladies Singles Final against Angelique Kerber of Germany on day twelve of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 9, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Williams had been stuck on 21 Grand Slams since winning last year's Wimbledon, but the American star ended that frustrating barren spell to retain the title and draw level with Steffi Graf's Open era record.
Serena was pushed hard by Kerber in a high-quality clash lasting 81 minutes on Centre Court, but the German fourth seed eventually crumbled under a barrage of 39 winners and 13 aces from the defending champion.
"It's a great feeling to be here. Angelique brings out great tennis in me," said Serena.
"Serena you deserve it, you are a great champion and great person. We played a great match," said Kerber.
The 71st singles title of Williams' astonishing career also moved her within two of Martina Navratilova's all-time record of nine Wimbledon triumphs.
