Williams ousts top seed Hingis

Venus will now meet her sister Serena in the semis

(5) V Williams (US) bt (1) M Hingis (Swi)
6-3 4-6 6-4

Venus Williams won a terrific three-set battle to overpower Martina Hingis and set up a semi-final meeting with her sister Serena.

Williams set the pace in a truly electrifying tussle, a number of superbly executed drive volleys helping her gain the early ascendancy.

The American broke Hingis to love in the seventh game of the match and went on to take the first set.

But the top seed was in no mood to give up, matching Williams stroke for stroke in a second set that featured a series of stunning rallies.

Hingis took advantage when a questionable line call seemed to upset Williams, and she eventually levelled the match when Williams sent a wild overhead volley well out.

Memorable triumph

The deciding set proved a tough test of stamina for both women, with the first five games all going against the serve.

But Williams it was who held the sixth to decisively move 4-2 up, reaping deserved reward for her determination to chase down every ball.

As Hingis began to wilt, so Williams' sheer energy carried her towards the finishing line and she duly served out for a memorable triumph to the delight of an enthralled Centre Court crowd.