Wimbledon 2016: Venus Williams crashes out of Wimbledon semi-final to Angelique Kerber
There will be no all sister final for Serena and Venus
VENUS WILLIAMS’ fairytale comeback is over after she was kicked to the Kerb in the semi-finals.
The American, 36, went down 6-4 6-4 to No4 seed Angelique Kerber, who will now face Venus’ sister Serena in Saturday’s final.
It brought an end to Williams’ incredible return to form at this year’s SW19.
The five-time Wimbledon winner had not reached a Grand Slam semi-final since the 2010 US Open.
That barren period included the veteran’s discovery in 2011 that she has Sjogren’s syndrome, an auto-immune disorder which saps strength and affects joints.
Many believed that would be it for the seven-Slam champ due to the physical demands on her body.
Yet she defied expectations at this summer’s tournament with her wonderful run to the last four.
But that was to be as far as she would go as Australian Open winner Kerber proved too strong.
Although neither player looked in great nick with both struggling to hold serve - but Williams’ unforced error count of 21 was arguably the difference.
There were few decent rallies to entertain the Centre Court crowd - which included the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton and TV royalty Sophie Turner, AKA Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones.
Although the one on match point which Kerber won with a booming forehand cross-court was a highlight and by far and away the best of the match.
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It was all over in 1hr11mins, meaning the two semi-finals were done in less than two hours, after Serena’s 48-minute demolition of Elena Vesnina.
Kerber, 28, can now look forward to a re-run of the Oz Open final, in which she stunned Serena to lift her first Grand Slam title.
Kerber said: "It's amazing. It's always a tough match against Venus. I'm really excited about my game and my first final here.
"The last point was amazing, I was just trying to go for every shot.
"It was a completely new day and I know she is playing well at the moment. Everything worked and it is a very good feeling.
"I have a lot of experience now. I'm really enjoying my tennis life. I'm playing my best tennis.
"This is a completely new tournament, I will give everything I can in the final."