Venus Williams was defeated by Garbine Muguruza in the Wimbledon final. But that didn’t stop Muguruza from praising her opponent.
“When I was a little girl, I was watching these finals,” said 23-year-old Muguruza, according to ESPN. “I was watching Venus—I know it sounds incredible. To be able to play against her and now hold the big trophy, it means a lot.”
Muguruza won the match with a 7-5, 6-0 victory over Williams, who could have became the oldest woman in the Open era to win a grand-slam title.
Muguruza is now the first tennis player to beat both Williams sisters in a grand-slam final.
“I only play against the Williams sisters. It’s incredible,” Muguruza said. “I like it. It’s the best final you can get—Serena or Venus. And to play [Venus] here ... she has won five times, she’s an expert.”