FRENCH OPEN: GARBINE MUGURUZA BEATS SERENA WILLIAMS IN STRAIGHT SETS TO WIN GONG

Serena Williams failed to equal Steffi Graf’s Open era record of 22 Grand Slam titles, after she lost to Garbine Muguruza in the final of the French Open on Saturday.

The world No 1 could not match Muguruza’s power and intensity and was beaten 7-5 6-4.

This is Muguruza’s first French Open title. She becomes the first Spanish winner of Grand Slam since Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1998.

“I am so excited to play the final of a Grand Slam against one of the best ever players. It’s the perfect final and I am so happy,” said the Venezuelan-born Spaniard.

“Serena is a very powerful player and I just tried to fight as hard as I can.

“I can’t explain with words what this day means to me, and that for Spain and for me this is just amazing.”