Venus Williams will have to be content with beating Serena in the Wimbledon final after her sister avenged that loss yesterday by battling back from the brink of defeat in the US Open.

The 28-year-old Venus appeared to have both sets on her racket several times in a 7-6 (8/6), 7-6 (9/7) loss but her failure to convert on 10 set-point opportunities doomed her chances of winning her first US Open in seven years.

"I am a good closer so today was....," said Venus, her voice trailing off. "I've never had a match like that in my life. I guess there is always a first."

The match featured some incredible rallies and one in the second tie-breaker drew a standing ovation from the 23,700 fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium but Venus also made 45 unforced errors to just 28 for Serena.

"I was just spraying some shots," Venus said. "I actually felt confident and I would get up and for whatever reason I just didn't get the point.

"Sometimes I would miss and sometimes she would make a great play.

"You know, it's not what I planned."

The 26-year-old Serena said it was out of character for Venus to hand her 10 set points but she will take the triumph any way she can.

"She made a couple of errors. It was really luck for me because she never makes those errors," Serena said. "I can't say I was disappointed. I obviously want the best for her, but in that situation you want to win, too."

Yesterday's match was a repeat of this year's Wimbledon final, which Venus won 7-5, 6-4.

The 17th career Williams sisters' summit was billed as the marquee matchup of the women's draw despite taking place in the quarter-finals.

"I don't think it will ever be underdramatised until we are housewives," Venus said. "Until that time we'll hopefully keep playing good tennis against everyone and each other."

Asked what she was thinking after the final ball was struck, Venus said she immediately switched from opponent to cheering for her sister.

"She's the only player who I care about, like, what happens after if I win or lose," Venus said. "So any other player I don't follow their result or see if they win or lose or what have you.

"But her, of course I still hope she wins."

Serena said of their 17 career meetings, including 11 in Grand Slams, this victory ranks just below their Australian Open final in 2003 that Serena won 7-6 (7/4), 3-6, 6-4.

"This is number two. I still think my Australian Open final against Venus was an incredible match. It was three tough, tough, tough sets," Serena said.

"This is a massive hump to get over. I have been playing really consistent for over a year now and just really been dedicated.

"A year doesn't sound like a long time, but it has been a while."