Williams sisters united ahead of final battle

By Kylie MacLellan

LONDON (Reuters) - The Williams double act put on a confident show on the eve of their Wimbledon final clash, making it clear the weight of facing each other as competitors has not put a strain on their relationship as team mates or sisters.

Full of encouragement and praise for each other, the cohesive pair swept past top doubles seeds Cara Black and Liezel Huber 6-1 6-2 on Friday to land a place in a second Saturday final, but this time as partners.

"We're used to being in this position now, so we pretty much have it down," Serena, who has played sister Venus in the Wimbledon singles final three times before, told reporters.

"There really is no effect. We just live our lives. It's not the end of the world," the 27-year-old added, exchanging smiles with her sister. "Sunday, Monday is still going to be here."

Chatting casually as they walked on to Court One for their doubles semi-final the sisters, who also own three Wimbledon women's doubles crowns, appeared unfazed by the thought of their impending head-to-head clash 24 hours later.

Despite both having played singles matches on Thursday -- with Serena's epic clocking in as the longest women's semi-final of the professional era -- neither showed signs of fatigue as they surged to a 5-0 lead in the first set.

Venus, who is chasing her sixth Wimbledon title, was confident the pair could maintain their energy levels ahead of Saturday's battle for the coveted Rosewater Dish.

"When you choose to play doubles you have to be in really good shape," said the 29-year-old. "If you're not, then it can actually affect your singles. But we love playing doubles."