Focused favourite Serena promises final to remember

SERENA WILLIAMS insists Wimbledon will be treated to the women’s final it deserves as she prepares to revive her sibling rivalry after a five-year hiatus.

The younger Williams — who starts as marginal favourite today — has dominated her sister in grand slam finals, winning five of the six showpieces they have contested.

But injuries, loss of form and off-court interests have separated the pair since 2003 when Serena triumphed 4-6 6-4 6-2 to claim her second Wimbledon title.

SW19 has been a happy hunting ground for both players and this year they have been some way ahead of the competition, a fact acknowledged by Serena.

“I’m not sure if the experience of playing my sister has got any easier, but the opponent has not become any easier, that’s for sure,” she said.

“It’s going to be a battle again. That’s just how it is. We’re both going in there playing, for me, the other best player.

“I hope that she feels she is also facing the best player. It’s going to be a tough match.”

On the surface the sisters colliding in a grand slam final would seem a bitter-sweet experience but Venus has revealed their competitive fires will burn as fiercely as ever.

“This is what we’ve been aiming for. We haven’t reached this achievement in a few years now and it’s great it’s happened,” she said. “It’s more important to us that we don’t have to face each other in an earlier round.

“The only thing I look for in the draw is to see if we’re on opposite sides. I think it definitely makes it a lot easier for us both.”

Their father Richard Williams, coach to both players, returned to Florida today in a bid to avoid any accusations of bias from either daughter.

“He’s gone. He always tries to give us the best of advice, so I’m sure he said something to Serena,” said Venus.

“Serena didn’t tell me what he said but basically he’s coach all the way through.”

Serena added: “He told me that his job was done, so I guess he’s feeling good. No matter what happens he’s for sure going to be a winner.

“I assume he’ll be in Florida because I knew he flew back there. I don’t know if he’ll watch the final, but I know he’ll be there.”

The sisters themselves are based in the same house during their time in Wimbledon and spent last night together as usual.

“The only time we’re separated is on the way to the match. We usually get two cars,” said Serena.

“We usually travel separately but for the most part we’ll definitely be together.

“We’re used to this. We’re just excited to be in the final and we think it will be a great match.

“We think that we’re finally getting the results that we deserve and that we hoped for,” she added.