Venus Williams defeated her younger sister Serena Williams in three sets during their semifinals meet in the Dubai Open. The win will see Venus enter the finals of the tournament.

The Wimbledon champion took game, set, and match in a neck-and-neck battle, 6-1, 2-6, 7-6.

World number one, Serena, has a sluggish start, hitting six double-faults in the opening set and dropping the serve three times. Her sister, Venus, took advantage—winning all service games without losing a single point.

With the win, Venus secured her fifth win in the previous seven matches between the siblings. Serena was nursing a knee injury, which caused her to pull-out of the Paris semis.

Despite the injury, Serena managed to take the Australian Open Championship in her last tournament. She even took her sister to a decisive third set tie-breaker.

Venus commented on the tournament Web site, saying “It was definitely a finals-quality match.” She will be ranked among the world’s top five again, after six years.

“Obviously winning a match that close is satisfying, especially against the top-ranked player. Of course when I walk onto the court with Serena I have respect for her, so that's obviously the best part about winning,” said Venus.

Serena also commented, “I thought Venus played well. I didn't serve that well and I thought she served really well which I think ultimately helped her win the match.”

Venus now advances to face Virginie Razzano on Saturday for the Dubai Open Championship.

Razzano defeated 16th seed Kaia Kanepi of Estonia in straight sets, 6-1 6-2, to advance to the final.