Venus Williams beat sister Serena 7-5 6-4 to win the Wimbledon title for the fifth time.

Serena had won both previous Wimbledon finals between the two sisters - in 2002 and 2003 - but was second best despite making a superb start to the match.

The younger sister won 10 of the first 11 points, but Venus gradually worked her way back into a highly competitive match.

She won five of six games to battle back from 4-2 down to win the first set, and recovered from a break down early in the second set to successfully defend her title after one hour and 51 minutes on Centre Court.

"Five titles, that's the first thing that popped into my head," said Venus. "I can't believe it's five. Five is monumental. I would have been disappointed at not being able to make history."

Only Martina Navratilova (9), Steffi Graf (7) and Billie Jean King (6) now stand above her.

She added: "I think the level of play was really high. We had some really competitive rallies and intense points. We were both very powerful.''

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.

Venus held serve in the opening game of the second set, helped by a record-equalling 129mph serve.

But Venus was unable to repeat the trick in her next service game, saving six break points but slipping over beyond the baseline on the seventh to give Serena the advantage.

That game had taken 14 minutes and many others were proving long, drawn-out battles from the baseline as the siblings traded thunderous serves and groundstrokes.

Venus immediately broke back to level at 2-2 and the next five games went with serve until Venus forged two match points on her sister's serve in the 10th game.

Serena saved the first with a thumping ace but an errant backhand on the second gave Venus her fifth Wimbledon title.

Serena was disappointed with her performance, saying: "I lost rhythm, made a lot of errors, nothing I was trying was working. My balls just started flying and she was serving well.

"I don't think I played well. She's won five Wimbledons and beaten me on grass now. Her tactic was to serve every ball into my body and I will know next time what to expect.''