The younger Williams - who starts as marginal favourite on Saturday - has dominated her sister in grand slam finals, winning five of the six showpieces they have contested.

But injuries, loss of form and off-court interests have separated the pair since 2003 when Serena triumphed 4-6 6-4 6-2 to claim her second Wimbledon title.

SW19 has been a happy hunting ground for both players and this year they have been some way ahead of the competition, a fact acknowledged by Serena.

"I'm not sure if the experience of playing my sister has got any easier, but the opponent has not become any easier, that's for sure," she said.

"It's going to be a battle again. That's just how it is. We're both going in there playing, for me, the other best player.

"I hope that she feels she is also facing the best player. It's going to be a tough match."

On the surface the sisters colliding in a grand slam final would seem a bitter-sweet experience but Venus has revealed their competitive fires will burn as fiercely as ever.

"This is what we've been aiming for. We haven't reached this achievement in a few years now and it's great it's happened," she said.

Serena added: "It's more important to us that we don't have to face each other in an earlier round. The only thing I look for in the draw is to see if we're on opposite sides. I think it definitely makes it a lot easier for us both."