Kontinen/Watson Win Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Title

Henri Kontinen of Finland and Heather Watson of Great Britain both won their first Grand Slam in the mixed doubles final on Sunday at Wimbledon, edging No. 15 seeds Robert Farah of Colombia and Anna-Lena Groenefeld of Germany, 7-6(5), 6-4.

“This is the tournament that every player has on their mind. The prestige, the history here, it’s pretty special. It’s a special place to win,” said Kontinen. “If we were up a break or down a break, whatever happened, we were always enjoying ourselves. To be able to do that and still win makes it extra fun.”

Kontinen became the first player from Finland to win a Grand Slam title. The last British player to win the mixed doubles title at Wimbledon was Jamie Murray (w/Jelena Jankovic) in 2007. 

Both teams held serve throughout the first set to force a tie-break. Kontinen/Watson raced to a 5/0 lead, but Farah/Groenefeld clawed their way back to 5/5. A missed volley from Groenefeld gave Kontinen/Watson set point at 6/5 and Watson converted on her serve to give her team the opening set.

A double fault on break point from Gronefeld gave Kontinen/Watson the first break of the match to lead 4-3. The small advantage was all they needed as Kontinen closed out the match on his first try and the pair hugged in celebration.