Picking a Williams winner

The 2009 Ladies' Wimbledon final looked from the outset like being a Williams family affair. Venus and Serena have between them been finalists 11 times in the last nine finals, with the famous Rosewater Dish ending up in their trophy cabinet seven times.

Writing ahead of the semi finals, it is difficult not to assume they will contest this year’s final, despite the fact they are facing the toughest possible opponents in the last four. The fact they are such strong favourites to beat Dinara Safina, world number one and runner-up in both of this year’s Grand Slam finals and Elena Dementieva, semi finalist at Wimbledon for the second consecutive year, is a sign of how dominant the sisters are on grass.

If one of the Russians does upset the form book, it will be tough for them to beat both sisters on grass in the space of two days. Dementieva has been far more convincing this fortnight than her compatriot and will push Serena closer than Safina will Venus. Matches between the two sisters are so hard to predict.

Their head-to-head record stands at 10 wins apiece, with their last seven meetings being won alternately. They have won two each of their four Wimbledon clashes. Taking a tennis betting lead from these facts and figures is clearly difficult, especially as the rather insulting insinuation that their father determines who will win their head-to-had matches beforehand still exists.

There are some things to bear in mind. Of their four Wimbledon showdowns, only one has produced a three set match, which Serena won, coming from behind to win the 2003 final. Backing the first set winner is hardly revolutionary, but should stand punters in good stead here.

Nearly as unscientific is backing Serena on the alternate winner theory – Venus won in three sets in Dubai earlier this year and if their four year run of winning alternate meetings is maintained, the younger sister will come out on top. Serena has been the favourite from the outset, despite Venus winning five titles to her two.

However, her better all-round game and superior recent form is negated by Venus’ comfort on grass. They possess very similar statistics for this tournament. Serena seems to have more of a burning desire to succeed and she will be determined to make up for last year’s disappointment and win a Grand Slam she has not won in six years.

She might just have the edge.