Serena: Muguruza's future is bright

World No. 1 Serena Williams will have to wait until Wimbledon for her chance to equal Steffi Graf's Open Era record of 22 Grand Slam victories after Garbine Muguruza stunned the tennis world Saturday.

The victory, which was Muguruza's first major, came in a dazzling display of power versus power, the Spaniard profiting from her own array of incisive shots and Williams' laboured movements courtesy of an adductor injury.

Related: Muguruza overpowers Serena to win 1st Slam title

Emotional and on the verge of tears, Williams addressed the crowd in French, thanking her fans while praising Muguruza's performance.

"It was a really intense match point," the 21-time Slam champ said of Muguruza's audacious match winner.

Related - Watch: Daring lob clinches Muguruza's 1st Slam win

"That just goes to show you really have to play the big points well and she played the big points really well."

As much a champion on the court as she is a mentor to the next generation of tennis stars, Williams credited the Spaniard's excellence under pressure and predicted good things ahead.

"She has a bright future, obviously. She knows how to play on the big stage and clearly how to win Slams."