Venus takes the first set

Defending champion Venus Williams today won the first set of the Wimbledon final against sister Serena in blustery conditions on Centre Court.

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.