Venus Williams handed the world's most hit-on sportswoman a pummelling of a less favourable kind on Centre Court, as she swept powerfully into the sixth Wimbledon final of her career.

The 40million visitors Ana Ivanovic received to her official website last month might count for something in cyberworld, but this was about the harsh reality of facing big sister in full flow.

Williams outmuscled the Serbian sixth seed 6-2 6-4 with the full range of trademark grunting groundstrokes which have enabled her so often to rediscover her best form on the All England Club lawns.

"I've had so many great times here," beamed Williams, seeded a misleading 23 due to injuries and inactivity in recent times.

"I feel like I had to play some of my best tennis to get through against some great players so it's very exciting."

Only two rounds ago, Williams was almost dumped out of the tournament by world number 71 Akiko Morigami, breaking to love when the Japanese player served for the match.

Deeper into the second week it was a different story, as Williams battered Maria Sharapova before making equally short work of this year's French Open champion.

"It just seems like ages ago now, with all the rain," added Williams of her close shave against Morigami.

"I think it's just all about doing the right things at the right time and believing in myself.

"I always believe in myself. I feel like no matter who I play, I have the advantage going up. I've been counted out so many times and that's okay with me. Now it's all coming together."

Williams started in unforgiving fashion, double-breaking and charging into a 4-0 lead while teenager Ivanovic was still getting used to the historic surroundings on her Centre Court debut.

Having saved seven break points to avoid the ignominy of going 5-0 down and the probable embarrassment of a first-set whitewash, Ivanovic belatedly stirred but by then the opener had been lost.

"I started a little bit nervous today and obviously she's a very good player and she was serving well," said Ivanovic.

"That was the biggest difference and she was very aggressive."

When an Ivanovic double-fault gifted Williams a love break in the third game of the second set the match seemed over, even if the Serb had recovered from a similar position to beat Nicole Vaidisova in the previous round.

She showed her admirable fighting qualities in the following game, stepping in to attack Williams' serving bullets and slamming away a stunning forehand volley to break back and earn the biggest cheer of the afternoon.

Despite Ivanovic starting to reel off her wonderful forehand winners, Williams was evidently not afflicted by the same mental demons that caused Vaidisova to crumble on the point of victory.

Williams duly broke back to lead 4-3, and after squandering three match points on the Ivanovic serve, made no mistake to serve out for a return to

the final for the first time since her epic triumph of Lindsay Davenport two years ago.

Afterwards, Williams credited the support of her family, and in particular her sister Serena, for her latest final appearance.

"We just motivate each other so much," added Williams.

"There's something about us. No matter where we're ranked, no matter where we are, no matter what the next person says, ultimately we just believe in ourselves, and I think that's what makes the difference."