Venus, Serena serve up
fourth of July fireworks

Serena Williams joined elder sister Venus in the Wimbledon women's singles final on Thursday, leap-frogging her to the top of the world rankings in the process, by demolishing France's Amelie Mauresmo 6-2, 6-1.

Saturday's title match -- a third all-Williams Grand Slam final -- will be the first between siblings at Wimbledon since Maud Watson beat Lilian in 1884.

Serena beat Venus for the French Open crown last month, revenge for Venus's victory in last year's U.S. Open final.

Venus is gunning for her third successive Wimbledon singles crown and if successful will become only the third woman to achieve this since tennis turned professional in 1968.

Earlier, Venus gave her compatriots something to shout about on their Independence Day when she beat Belgian Justine Henin 6-3, 6-2 in the other semi-final.

Venus has taken a while to hit top gear in all her matches at the All England Club this year and sixth seeded Henin took full advantage to grab a break in the first game of the match.

But the world number one broke back soon afterwards, got another in the eighth game and, with her game now at its intimidating best, served out to win the first set.

Henin, who lost to Williams in the final last year, battled gamely on but the big American just pounded her into submission and won the second set in just over half an hour.