Konta loses out in battle with Williams

Williams took the match in three sets 6-4 3-6 7-5 but the five-time Wimbledon champion was pushed all the way by the 24-year-old Brit.

The performance was another in a remarkable streak of form for Konta who is set to overtake Heather Watson as Britain's number one.

That run reached its crescendo with a stunning fightback victory over world number two Simona Halep on Wednesay to set up the clash with Williams.

And it looked like there might be another moment of magic for Konta who served for the match in the decider before Williams fought back for the win.

"I was happy with my overall performance and even thought I was serving for the match I don't feel I lost it; Venus raised her game and played incredible tennis," she told Sky Sports.

"I grew up watching her and feel lucky that I got to share a court with a champion. But I also definitely wanted to win out there and I did give my best but in the end it wasn't good enough. I'm now looking forward to a good night's sleep.

"For me, rankings are neither here nor there. What really makes me happy are the consistent performances I've put in here day in, day out."

Sportsbeat 2015