Wimbledon: I'm just getting started, says Serena Williams after final defeat

Serena Williams vowed to use the pain of her shock Wimbledon final defeat against Angelique Kerber to fuel her bid for future Grand Slam glory Williams was hoping to equal Margaret Courts record of 24 major titles by winning her eighth Wimbledon crown todayBut instead the 36yearold produced an errorstrewn display in a 63 63 loss that ranked as her first Wimbledon final defeat since 2008While Serena was frustrated by the surprise setback she took heart from her run to the final in just the fourth tournament of her comeback following daughter Olympias birth in September It was such an amazing tournament for me I was really happy to get this far Williams saidIts obviously disappointing but I cannot be disappointed I have so much to look forward to and I am just getting started I entered Wimbledon just wanting to win some matches It was super encouraging to know that I can compete and do well Williams endured lifesaving surgery after Olympias difficult delivery and serving as an inspiration to mothers all over the world had been part of the former world ones decision to return to tennisHer presence in the final of a Grand Slam in just her 14th match since that traumatic experience has convinced Serena she can catch Court and even break her record in the future I didnt know a couple of months ago how I would be able to come back It was such a long way to see light at the end of the road she saidSo I think these two weeks have really showed me that okay I can come out and be a contender to win Grand Slams Im already deciphering what I need to improve on what I did wrong why I did it wrong that whole madness that goes on in my mind I just feel like Im taking the steps in the right direction I took a giant step at Wimbledon But my journey has just begun This is literally just the beginning Its good to just continue that path After failing to become the first mother to win Wimbledon since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 Williams admitted she was powerless to prevent the inspired Kerber taking the title To all the mums out there I was playing for you and I tried but Angelique played really well she played out of her mind she said Shes an incredible person a really good friend so I am really happy for her Serena had been forced to wait to start the final while Novak Djokovics delayed mens semifinal win over Rafael Nadal was completed on Centre CourtIt was two hours later than scheduled before the womens final got underway but Williams was adamant the decision to play the mens match first wasnt disrespectful and didnt affect her performance Honestly I just feel like it was a necessary evil she said Not knowing how this match would go two hours three hours I dont think they could put the mens semifinal behind the women because they have to come back the next dayIt didnt have an impact on me Im not going to ever make an excuse Undeterred by her defeat Williams is already making plans for the US Open in August But before that she was ready to head home for some quality time with Olympia and husband Alexis Ohanian and possibly a bedtime story with a happy ending My priority is my baby now you know Just being with her spending time with her Thats totally my priorities Williams saidI will just go home and relax If I make it home in time Ill hang out with Olympia Asked if she would tell Olympia about her day Serena said I think it would be a happy story Ill probably change the endingAlso Read Angelique Kerber Stuns Serena For First Wimbledon TitleCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updatesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Except for the change in headline the story has been provided ASIS AS AVAILABLE without any verification or editing from our side Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever