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Sharapova Vs Williams - 2007 Ladies' Quarter Final
Maria Sharapova (RUS) v Venus Williams (USA)

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This was the match that announced Venus Williams as a genuine contender for the 2007 Wimbledon title. Not only that, but her 6-1, 6-3 victory over 2004 champion Maria Sharapova was rated by some observers as her best performance at the All England Club.

People may have complained about the weather in 2007, but it was because of the back log of fixtures caused by the rain delays that two former Wimbledon champions found themselves relegated to Court Three for the start of their fourth round match.

As they walked to the court both women had a face like thunder, perhaps a portent of the lightning that would come. The punters out on Court 3 were blessed with just two minutes and three whole points of this match before the heavens opened and play was postponed.

When it resumed the following day on Centre Court it was the Venus serve that most resembled lightning. One serve was delivered at 126mph, two miles an hour short of her world record, and she served at a match average of 115 mph, conceding just 10 points on her serve in the first set.

Outgunned and outclassed in the second set, Sharapova held on grimly before she was washed away by a torrent of brilliant shots from Williams.