Venus Williams fights for over three hours to beat Camila Giorgi in Birmingham

Venus Williams celebrates victory against Camila Giorgi. Pic:Jacob King/PA

A delighted Venus Williams fought for more than three hours to defeat Camila Giorgi at the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham and post her best victory for nearly four years.

Two days after her 43rd birthday and with a right knee problem restricting her  movement, the former world number one showed that her competitive spirit has not diminished as she ground out a 7-6 (5) 4-6 7-6 (6) win.