Wimbledon: Halep reacts to defeating Serena in final

Simona Halep says controlling her nerves and forgetting about who she was playing enabled her to play the match of her life and win Wimbledon.

The Romanian's 56-minute 6-2 6-2 demolition of Serena Williams earned her a second Grand Slam title.

"The nerves were positive this time. I felt them in the stomach," she said. "I always play well when I have emotions.

"I didn't think at all against who I play. I've always been intimidated a little bit when I faced Serena."

Williams had been the pre-match favourite to win a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title but could not find an answer to Halep's brilliant returning game and movement around the court.

"I decided before the match that I'm going to focus on myself and on the final of Grand Slam, not on her," said Halep, 27.

"That's why I was able to play my best, to be relaxed, and to be able to be positive and confident against her.

"I'm very sure that was the best match of my life."