Venus claims fourth title

Updated 17.15 Sat Jul 07 2007
Keywords: tennis, Wimbledon, Marion Bartoli, Venus Williams

Venus Williams has claimed her fourth Wimbledon singles title in a straight sets victory against France's Marion Bartoli.

Williams put in an assured performance to beat Grand Slam final debutant Bartoli 6-4 6-1 and becomes only the sixth woman to capture the crown four times.

Williams put in an assured performance to beat Grand Slam final debutant Bartoli and becomes only the sixth woman to capture the crown four times

The 18th-seeded Frenchwoman had stunned world number one Justine Henin in the semi-final to book her place in the final. But Williams, 27, who had gradually begun to find her form as the tournament progressed possessed too much experience for Bartoli to secure a second upset.

Despite her low seeding of 23 and world ranking of 31, Williams reminded everyone that she remains a class act.

She said: "It's been a long road back and I've had some tough losses. To actually win the tournament four times is something else completely."

Bertoli paid tribute to the victor: "I think I was playing the world number one on grass here today. I'm a bit disappointed, but thank everyone for their support."

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