last updated: Saturday 4 July 2009, 09:56am

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Williams sisters reach Wimbledon final

Serena Williams

Venus Williams will play her sister Serena in Saturday's Wimbledon final after a crushing 6-1 6-0 victory over top seed Dinara Safina.

Venus's place in an eighth final, and fourth against her sister, was never in doubt as the Russian failed to come to terms with Williams's powerful hitting from the back of the court in a match which lasted just 51 minutes.

'This is my eighth final and a dream come true to be here again and have the opportunity to hold the plate up,' the five-time champion said.

Meanwhile, Serena fought back from the brink of a shock defeat to reach the final.

The 27-year-old stayed on course for a third title at the All England Club with victory over Elena Dementieva in the longest women's semi-final in history.

The American was forced to produce all her battling qualities to overcome a spirited Dementieva, who produced a brilliant performance but still lost at the last-four stage for the second year in a row.

Williams saved a match point in the second set before forcing a decider and winning 6-7 (7/4) 7-5 8-6 in an epic duel on Centre Court that lasted 12 minutes short of three hours.

'It was really tough,' Williams said. 'She's been playing so well and has won a lot of matches against me in the past.

'I was not on my best game but my family were so positive. Elena played so well and we gave the crowd a wonderful match.'

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