By BIll Scott Jul 5, 2008, 15:30 GMT
London - Holder Venus Williams won her fifth Wimbledon title on Saturday with a 7-5, 6-4 defeat of sister Serena in the third sibling title showdown at the All England club.
Venus Williams of the US hoists the winner's trophy after defeating her sister Serena in their ladies' final match for Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, in London, Britain, 05 July 2008. Venus Williams won her fifth Wimbledon singles title with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over her sister, Serena. EPA/FELIPE TRUEBA
The 28-year-old elder sister snapped a run of five consecutive losses in major finals to the 26-year-old Serena.
Venus last beat Serena in a Grand Slam singles final in their very first, back in 2001 at the US Open.
Venus recovered from a break down in each set to win in 1 hour, 50 minutes when Serena hit a groundstroke wide. Her earlier titles at Wimbledon were in 2000, 2001, 2005 and 2007.
It was her seventh title overall at the majors. While the overall series is now tied at 8-8 Serena still holds a 5-2 edge in Grand Slam finals.
'I say great match to Serena,' said the winner of the first all-American final in a major tournament since 2005. 'I can't believe I've got five Wimbledon titles.
'In a final against Serena, that seemed so far away from the first point. It was such a tough task to beat her.'
Venus was playing her seventh Wimbledon final in nine years since the start of the century, and improved to 7-6 in career Grand Slam finals.
'It's unbelievable, especially with some of the injuries I've had,' said the winner. 'I've had the chance to perform well and make history.'
But she added - perhaps feeling Serena's pain: 'My first job is big sister, and I take that very seriously.
'My parents are proud - but I'd like to thin they wanted me to win,' she laughingly quipped.
Serena got quickly out of the blocks after sunshine following early morning rain, taking a break in the opening game.
The 2002 and 2003 champion followed up with a love game before her elder sister got into harness.
Venus managed to stem the tide in the eighth game with a break- back for 4-4, then tightened the screws on her sibling in a tricky wind.
The elder sister claimed the opening set after 53 minutes when Serena hit the net with a backhand return.
In the second set, Serena took a 2-1 lead with a break in a 14-minute game which required 21 points, only to lose the lead with a break-back by her sister a game later.
Venus wrapped up the win with a winner to the corner to produce a pair of match points in the tenth game.
Serena saved the first with her ninth ace but put a forehand wide to lose.
'She was a little better today and things didn't work out like I'd planned,' said the losing finalist. But it was definitely a great celebration for our family, we're really happy.
'I've been working really hard and fighting for everything - at least one of us was able to win,' she joked.
'Venus played great this year, and we were glad to be in the finals again.
The pair was due to take to the doubles court later on Saturday for the final against American Lisa Raymond and Australian Samantha Stosur.
'Serena deserves a win, so I'm going to try hard to get her one,' said Venus.'
View photos from the match.
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