Jul 5, 2008 - 3:54 PM
0 shoutsWIMBLEDON, England (Ticker) -- Take that little sister!
Venus Williams won her fifth Wimbledon title at the expense of younger sister Serena on Saturday, posting a 7-5, 6-4 victory.
The third meeting between the Williams sisters in the Wimbledon final had all the makings of a classic since neither had lost a set leading up to what was a highly anticipated encounter.
In a match that featured high-quality tennis, Venus was a bit better as she beat her sister - 15 months younger - for the first time in three tries on Centre Court at the All England Club. Serena had beaten Venus to claim consecutive titles here in 2002 and 2003.
This time, Venus successfully defended her title and again claimed the trophy she also hoisted in 2000, 2001 and 2005.
"I have to first of all say great match to Serena," Venus said. "I can't believe that it's five, but when you're in the final against Serena Williams, five seems too far away from that first point. She played so awesome. It was really a task to beat her.
"It's so rewarding to perform here. Every time I come back I know I have the chance to play well and make history. My first job is big sister, and I take that very seriously."
The victory also stopped Venus' struggles against Serena in Grand Slam finals. Since beating Serena for the U.S. Open title in 2001, the 28-year-old Venus had lost her previous five major finals against her sister.
"I'm so happy that at least one of us was able to win," the 26-year-old Serena said. "She's played great this year. We're just glad to be in the finals again."
It marked the seventh major title for Venus, who had to fight back from a break in each set to even the all-time series with Serena at eight wins apiece.
The latest all-Williams match was played without father Richard in attendance. He had flown back to the United States because he can't stomach to watch his daughters play each other. The sisters' mother, Oracence, did watch from the players' box.
The intensity of the match also was a welcome sight after some lackluster play in previous meetings between the sisters.
Venus used a break of serve to win the match, rejoicing when Serena sent a backhander wide down the line. The sisters then embraced at the net, with Venus twirling and waving to the crowd on a blustery day.
Bidding for her ninth Grand Slam, Serena started off in fine form, breaking Venus' serve in the opening game and winning 10 of the first 11 points.
But Venus showed fight, saving a break at 3-1 down. She showed more mettle in the eighth game, breaking Serena's serve on the ninth try when she ripped a winner down the line, tying the match and bringing the normally bland crowd to its feet.
Continuing to rise up to the pressure, Venus saved two break chances in the ninth game to take her first lead of the match.
Things stayed on serve until Serena sent a backhander into the net, giving Venus her second break and the first set in 53 minutes.
Showing some frustration, Serena was shaking her head after Venus fought off a break chance in the opening game of the second set.
After Serena held, the sisters played their best game of the match. Venus fought off six break chances before falling and giving Serena the break on the seventh opportunity.
However, Venus quickly recaptured the momentum by breaking back.
It remained tight until Venus broke Serena's serve one final time to claim the title. Serena saved one match point with her ninth ace, but she was unable to save another as Venus raised her arms in celebration.
Serena did have reason to celebrate later Saturday as she teamed with Venus to win the doubles championship for the third time at Wimbledon.
The Williams sisters defeated the duo of Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur, 6-2, 6-2.
As a doubles tandem, Venus and Serena improved to 7-0 in Grand Slam finals. They also won Wimbledon in 2000 and 2002.
