Women's final head-to-head

By Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Wimbledon

Serena Williams v Venus Williams

SERENA (1) vs VENUS (4)

21------------Age-----------23

American----Nat----American

5------------Slams-----------4

22------Career titles------29

$10.2m---Earnings---$12.5m

6------Head-to-head-------5

The sight of Serena Williams facing her sister Venus in a Grand Slam final maybe becoming a regular occurence, but is no less remarkable for that.

Incredibly, this will be the fifth time in the last six Grand Slams that the sisters have made it through to the second Sunday.

And after the shock of the French Open, where Venus fell in the fourth round and Serena lost in the semis, the Williams have quickly re-established their dominance.

The head-to-head record points towards a close battle, with Serena leading six to five, but recent history suggests the defending champion is a strong favourite.

Serena has moved away from her sister and the rest of the field over the last 18 months, claiming four successive Grand Slams until Paris last month.

And in each final she beat her elder sister, who has slipped to fourth in the world rankings.

Serena herself was in danger of losing the number one spot at Wimbledon, and the rankings are misleading where the Williams sisters are concerned as they play far fewer tournaments than their closest rivals.

Despite the improvement of Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin-Hardenne, the pair can only really judge themselves against each other.

Venus has found something approaching her best form over the last two weeks but has been struggling with an abdominal injury.

And if there is one player who can take advantage of a weakened opponent, it is Serena, who has the advantage in power and athleticism, even over Venus.

With her desire burning stronger than ever following the defeat at Roland Garros, it will take the very best Venus can produce to stop Serena defending her title.