Wimbledon Tennis 2016 Women's Final: Early Serena Williams US Open Predictions

Serena Williams added yet another record to her impressive collection on Saturday, winning her seventh Wimbledon title with a two-set defeat of Angelique Kerber to tie Steffi Graf's Open-Era record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

As shared by Sky Sports News HQ, she now has her eyes set on Margaret Court's all-time record, a mark that has stood since 1973 and many believed would never be equaled, and this year's U.S. Open will give Williams the perfect chance to close the gap to just one title:

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.@SerenaWilliams has equalled the Open era record of 22 Grand Slam wins. More here: https://t.co/QMWau0JvZ5 #SSNHQ pic.twitter.com/WIH39vgxA7

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) July 9, 2016"

The 34-year-old has already won six titles at Flushing Meadows, including three straight between 2012 and 2014. And while last year's tournament ended in disappointing fashion, with a semi-final defeat at the hands of Roberta Vinci, she'll once again be the overwhelming favourite going into this year's U.S. Open.

Williams appears to be getting better with age, evidenced by her fantastic 7-5, 6-3 win over Kerber on Saturday. Kerber, who beat Williams in the final of the Australian Open, put together a strong challenge, flashing her tremendous defensive ability.

Ben Curtis/Associated Press

The German scored a handful of spectacular points and made Williams battle for every shot, but it did not matter. A single break in the first set was enough to put Williams on the path to victory, and she finished the job with some powerful groundstrokes in the second set.

Liam Canning of the Daily Mirror was in awe of what he saw:

Williams' serve, which has often been her main weakness in the past, was arguably her top weapon during this year's tournament. Time and time again, the world No. 1 erased break chances for her opponents with aces or smart outside serves, including the final, where Kerber couldn't capitalise in the seventh game of the second set.

Wimbledon's fast lawn suits Williams' power-based playing style, and per BBC Sport's Piers Newbery, she told reporters Centre Court is a special place for her: "This court definitely feels like home, I have a match later today in the doubles, so I'll be back out."

But the hard courts of Flushing Meadows should also suit her well, particularly if her serve holds up the way it has of late. Kerber just about matched Williams in the rallies, but there are few players in women's tennis who can, and even that wasn't enough.

Ben Curtis/Associated Press

There aren't that many perennial contenders who routinely challenge for every single Grand Slam in the women's game right now, with most of the top players opting to specialise in a certain surface―like Garbine Muguruza, who clearly feels most comfortable on clay.

And even the very best and most consistent players rarely take the fight to Williams, per ESPN Stats & Info:

It's impossible to factor in form or injuries, as the U.S. Open won't start until late August, but as of right now, there's no clear threat to Williams, as long as she can keep up this level of play. One major obstacle could derail her quest for a 23rd Grand Slam title, however: the Rio Olympics.

The added strain of yet another tournament in the middle of the year will weigh on the veteran, who won't hold back one bit in Rio. In an interview with Nick McCarvel of USA Today Sports, she talked about the importance of the Olympic games and how other athletes are not travelling to Rio in fear of the Zika virus:

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It's probably one thing I have that I love the most. For me, I look at the Olympics as a bonus opportunity.

I think for me, the most important thing is knowledge and protection, to know what I'm going into. It is really one of the best experiences that I've ever had. It's difficult for someone that is in a sport like golf because their main goal, like tennis, is to win Slams.

I don't know if they're missing out … I mean, everyone's experience is different. My experience has been really amazing at the Olympics.  I really loved going out there and competing, really just, you know, standing out there and being an Olympic athlete.

"

Winning a Grand Slam is difficult enough as it is―winning it shortly after competing in the Olympics, held in a tropical location, while some of your main competitors have fresh legs is even harder.

But unless someone steps up in a big way or Williams finally starts to show her age in the coming months, it's hard to see anyone denying her that 23rd Grand Slam.

Prediction: Williams continues her fine form at Flushing Meadows and moves within a single title of Court's record.