Venus Williams charges into Wimbledon last four

The American, who is targeting a first Grand Slam title since 2008, saw off her rival 7-6(5) 6-2 on Court One. She will face Angelique Kerber, a 7-5 7-6 winner over Simona Halep, in the semi-finals.

It is the five-times Wimbledon champion’s first appearance at the semi-final stage at SW19 since 2009.

Younger sister and world No.1 Serena is on the opposite side of the draw and contests a last eight meeting with Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Centre Court.

Williams, who turned 36 last month, is the oldest woman competing at the All England Club but her recent resurgence continued.

She has not made the last four at a major tournament since the US Open six years ago and she will now face Germany's Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber for a place in the final.

The Williams sisters last contested a Grand Slam final in 2009 when Serena beat Venus in straight sets.

Elena Vesnina (Russia) beat 19-Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) 6-2 6-2

1-Serena Williams (U.S.) beat 21-Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (Russia) 6-4 6-4

8-Venus Williams (U.S.) beat Yaroslava Shvedova (Kazakhstan) 7-6(5) 6-2

4-Angelique Kerber (Germany) beat 5-Simona Halep (Romania) 7-5 7-6(2)