Five-time Wimbledon champion and 30^th seed American Venus Williams gave it her all but 2011 Wimbledon champion Czech Petra Kvitova got the better of the deal winning their match in two hours and 30 minutes of grass play.

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34-year-old Williams took the first set tie-breaker that left her some room to breathe but the younger Kvitova is more able as she broke back the last two sets to win it 5-7 7(7) 6(2) 7-5.

"This is the best match I have played on grass since I won the title," said 6^th seed Kvitova after the match. "She's a huge player, a big champion, and she's doing a good job of coming back.We all have to respect her. I don't think I was the better player the whole way through this match. I was very nervous before the start. I knew of course that she's a five-time champion here and loves to play on the Centre Court as much as I do. I was just a little stronger than her mentally. That's why I won."

"She played well at every single moment," said Williams. "I gave it my all. Sometimes it's not enough. It's a shame there had to be a loser and more of a shame that it had to be me. This was a great match for me. But the battle is always more enjoyable when you win. I'm still in the doubles. That's what is on my mind now."

"This year has been great for me. People have been trying to retire me since I was 25. But I'm finding my way back on my feet, and I'm proud of myself for what I'm achieving on the court. I want to win more Slams. Everybody does. No one gives it to you. They snatch it away, and say 'mine'. That's what I have to do - snatch it, say 'mine', too. Growl if need be," added Williams.

Tagswimbledon, 2014 Wimbledon, tennis, All England Club, Venus Williams