Serena downs Venus to win third crown

By Pritha Sarkar

LONDON (Reuters) - Serena Williams celebrated American Independence Day by beating sister Venus 7-6 6-2 to win her third Wimbledon title on Saturday.

Once five-times champion Venus dumped a backhand into the net on Serena's fourth match point, the younger of the Williams sisters sank to her knees after finally winning her third singles crown at the grasscourt major following a six-year gap.

The 27-year-old quickly got back up on her feet to embrace Venus and then turned to lap up the applause of the 15,000 fans who had packed into a sun-kissed Centre Court.

"I feel so amazing. I'm so blessed... I can't believe I'm holding it," said a beaming Serena as she clutched the large Venus Rosewater dish.

"It's named for Venus and she always wins. It hasn't settled in that I've won yet."

Venus, who had been bidding to become the first woman to win a hat-trick of titles since Steffi Graf in 1993, paid tribute to her sister.

"She had an answer to everything. She played the best tennis today so congratulations," said the 29-year-old, who will be back on Centre Court later on Saturday for the doubles final with her sister.

"I don't think the loss has settled in yet so I'm still smiling. I've had so many great times here and of course I'm looking forward to next year and the doubles final."