Your Voice Your Vote 2024

Live results
Last Updated: April 23, 10:42:16PM ET

Venus Williams Wins Wimbledon

ByABC News
July 8, 2000, 10:14 AM

July 8 -- A jubilant Venus Williams defeated Lindsay Davenport in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) at Wimbledon, becoming the first black woman Wimbledon champion since Althea Gibson won back-to-back titles in 1957-58.

When Davenports forehand landed in the net on second championship point, Williams celebrated her first Grand Slam title with a jump and a scream before scampering off the court and through the stands to hug her father and coach, Richard, and little sister, Serena, who were in the family box.

A beaming Richard Williams held a sign that read, Its Venus party and no one was invited.

Indeed, Centre Court was center stage for Venus Williams, whose ascent to the Wimbledon final was the top story of the tournament. Her win gives the Williams family two Grand Slam titles: Serena is the 1999 U.S. Open champion.

Its the first time in tennis history that two sisters have each won a Grand Slam.

Great Athleticism

The fifth-seeded Williams showed great athleticism and excellent pacing to win her first Grand Slam title, while Davenport, the No. 2 seed and defending Wimbledon champion, was denied in her bid to win her fourth title.

Williams received the appropriately named Venus Rosewater Dish,the sterling silver plate that goes to the womens champion. She also earned $650,000 for the victory, while Davenport received $325,000.

Upon receiving the championship plate, Williams said with a laugh, I used to go to bed at night dreaming about winning a Grand Slam, and when I'd wake up, its a nightmare. Now I know I wont have to wake up like that anymore.

Admiring the plate she said, It is better than the mens cup, in my opinion.

Williams Varies her Game to Win

Both players showed early nerves and were broken in their first service games after the start was delayed 30 minutes by light rain.

Williams won the first set 6-3, banking on a blistering serve and strategically placed shots that left Davenport chasing balls all over the court. Known for her powerful groundstrokes, Williams varied her game during the match and repeatedly hit light dropped shots for winners.