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Serena Williams' incredible rankings rise after Wimbledon run

Reuters

Serena Williams has rocketed over 150 places up the world rankings after her remarkable run into the Wimbledon final.

The new mum has returned to the world’s top 30 in the WTA rankings released on Tuesday after finishing runner-up at the All England Club.

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The 36-year-old has climbed 153 places to 28th despite losing the final to German Angelique Kerber, Williams’ fourth tournament since giving birth to her daughter 10 months ago.

Kerber, who won her third Grand Slam title, moved up six places to world No.4, with French Open winner Simona Halep of Romania retaining the top ranking despite her third-round exit at Wimbledon.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Serena Williams of the United States in action against Angelique Kerber of Germany in the Ladies’ Singles Final on Center Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 14: Serena Williams of the United States in action against Angelique Kerber of Germany in the Ladies’ Singles Final on Center Court during the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club at Wimbledon on July 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

In the men’s rankings, Novak Djokovic’s fourth Wimbledon crown propelled him back to 10th in the world after falling outside the top 20 for the first time since 2006.

South Africa’s Kevin Anderson moved up three places to a career-high fifth after reaching the Wimbledon final for the first time in his career.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal remained at the top of the rankings and increased his lead over No.2 Roger Federer, whose Wimbledon title defense was ended by Anderson in a marathon quarter-final.

Beaten but unbowed, Serena is vowing to continue her relentless pursuit of tennis’s most elusive feat despite falling tantalisingly short at Wimbledon.

Williams’ 6-3 6-3 finals loss denied her a record-equalling 24th grand slam singles crown.

Australian Margaret Court set the benchmark 43 years ago and, until now, the record has remained unchallenged.

Williams had been favoured to draw level on Saturday but, despite turning 37 in September and suffering only her third defeat in 10 finals at The All England Club, the former world No.1 maintains more majors are still to come.

The American is just 14 matches into her comeback after more than a year off on maternity leave and says while her priorities have changed, her hunger remains undiminished.

“It was such an amazing tournament for me. I was really happy to get this far,” Williams said after having her 20-match Wimbledon winning streak finally come to an end.

“It’s obviously disappointing but I can’t be disappointed; I have so much to look forward to. I’m only just getting started.

“I didn’t know a couple of months ago where I was, where I would be, how I would do, how I would be able to come back. It was such a long way to see light at the end of the road kind of.

“So I think these two weeks have really showed me that, ‘okay, I can compete’. Obviously I can compete for the long run in a grand slam. I can come out and be a contender to win grand slams.”

with agencies