USA's Serena Williams looks on as Russia's Elena Vesnina reacts after losing their match at 2016 Wimbledon Championships in London, Britain, July 7, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

"I think for anyone else in this whole planet, it would be a wonderful accomplishment," Williams said of having reached her third straight major final. "For me, it's about obviously holding the trophy and winning — which would make it a better accomplishment for me. For me, it's not enough. But I think that's what makes me different. That's what makes me Serena."

Williams will have a chance for revenge of two kinds in this final, as she faces fourth-seeded Angelique Kerber, who beat her sister, Venus Williams, 6-4, 6-4. Aside from the familial payback, Kerber had stunned Serena Williams in the Australian Open final to win her first Grand Slam title in January.

Kerber finished her win over Venus Williams on Thursday with her best shot of the match, a forehand passing shot which zipped cross-court at a sharp angle, diving well out of Venus' reach. Kerber then fell to her knees in celebration.