By taking the title for the first time in six years, Serena stopped five-time champion Venus from becoming the first woman to win Wimbledon three years in a row since Steffi Graf from 1991-93. The Williams sisters have won eight of the 10 Wimbledon singles titles this decade.

When Venus slapped a backhand return into the net on the fourth match point, Serena fell to her knees on the grass. As always with Williams vs. Williams matches, the celebrations were relatively muted. The two sisters embraced at the net, with the 29-year-old Venus patting 27-year-old Serena on the back.

It was Serena's turn to hold up the women's trophy, the Venus Rosewater Dish.

"It feels so amazing," she said. "I feel so blessed. I feel like I shouldn't be holding the trophy. It's named for Venus and she always wins."