Serena in a hard-fought final on Centre Court.

Serena was a break up in each set but Venus battled back to secure a 7-5 6-4

victory in one hour and 51 minutes to successfully defend her title.

``First I have to say great match to Serena,'' said Venus, 28.

``I can't believe that it's five (titles).

``When you are in a final with Serena five seems so far away from that first

point. She played so awesome it was a real task to beat her.''

Asked how hard it was to play against Serena, Venus added: ``My first job is

big sister and I take that very seriously!''

Serena was philosophical in defeat, adding: ``She was a little better today, it

didn't work out the way I planned. But it's definitely a great celebration for

our family. We're really happy.

``I've been working really hard and fighting for everything and I'm so happy at

least one of us was able to win. We're just glad to be in the finals again and

we hope it can keep happening.''

Seeking a third title at the All England Club, Serena made the perfect start

with a break of serve in the opening game of the match.

The 26-year-old led 2-0 and won 10 of the first 11 points before Venus began to

battle back into the match.

It has been five years since the last grand slam final between the pair, Serena

winning her second Wimbledon title in 2003, but Venus broke back to level at 4-4

and gradually gained the upper hand.

Another break of serve in the 12th game gave Venus the set 7-5 after 53

hard-fought minutes.

Venus held serve in the opening game of the second set, helped by a

record-equalling 129mph serve.

But Venus was unable to repeat the trick in her next service game, saving six

break points but slipping over beyond the baseline on the seventh to give Serena

the advantage.

That game had taken 14 minutes and many others were proving long, drawn-out

battles from the baseline as the siblings traded thunderous serves and

groundstrokes.

Venus immediately broke back to level at 2-2 and the next five games also went

with serve until Venus forged two match points on her sister's serve in the 10th

game.

Serena saved the first with a thumping ace but an errant backhand on the second

gave Venus her fifth Wimbledon title.