| Friday, 4 July 2008 Written by Helen Gilbert They share a talent for tennis, have a wealth of Grand Slam titles to their name, travel together, live together, are good friends and also sisters. They both believe in their abilities and are model professionals. But the Williamses could not be more different. Four-time winner and defending champion Venus, who at 28 is two years older than Serena, is harder to read on the court. Calm and composed, she rarely pumps her fist because she “expects to win the point”. “It’s not like if I win the point that it’s like something that I wasn’t expecting, so that’s why I don’t fist pump a ton,” she said after her semi-final win over Elena Dementieva. “There’s definitely some points where you need that point and it’s just exhilarating. For me that’s when the pump comes. But if I’m feeling up or down no one can tell. I can hardly tell. I just stay even keeled no matter what.” Serena agrees: “I'm definitely more expressive with my competitive spirit. Venus is definitely competitive, but more low‑key. It's kind of always been like that. She's always been a little more quiet and I've been a little more outgoing personality‑wise.” So it will be a contest of contrasts when the women step on court to compete in the third all-Williams Wimbledon singles final. Serena, who won their 2002 and 2003 encounters, is a screamer, more muscular, has great strength and throughout this tournament has been firing down service winners with ease. Venus, on the other hand is taller, leaner and less noisy, but also has a lethal serve when in full flow. Altogether, the sisters have met in six Grand Slam finals with Serena leading 5-1. So what tactics will Venus use to halt the trend? “Obviously, I rely on my serve a lot,” she said. “When I get it going it helps me out a ton. I think being able to go out and there and return really well will be key for me. I’ll definitely use my speed. As always to win a title, you’ve got to play aggressive and not just hope your opponent misses.” Like her sibling, Venus has a keen interest in fashion. Last year she unveiled a new clothing range EleVen but on the court she takes a more understated approach. This year she opted for a simple but chic tennis dress, in contrast to Serena’s choice – a raincoat, which made headlines. In fact, the older sister describes herself as a “nerd”. “Serena wasn’t exactly that way, so I think we both now know our roles in the relationship and we support each other.” So how will the pair prepare for their final tomorrow – given that they are living in the same house? “I usually read a book and she usually watches a video, just the normal, just the same preparation,” Venus adds quietly.
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