Venus Williams becomes oldest Wimbledon semi-finalist in 23 years

The 37-year-old became the oldest Wimbledon semi-finalist since Martina Navratilova in 1994, after beating French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-5.

Venus Williams of the United States celebrates after beating Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko at the end of their Women's Quarterfinal Singles Match. | AP 

LONDON: Venus Williams became the oldest Wimbledon semi-finalist for 23 years as the five-time champion brushed aside French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 7-5 on Tuesday.

Aged 37, Williams' 73-minute masterclass on Centre Court made her the most senior player to reach the last four since Martina Navratilova in 1994.

The American star, an eight-time Wimbledon finalist, will play Britain's Johanna Konta or Romania's Simona Halep in Thursday's semi-finals.

World number 11 Williams, beaten in this year's Australian Open final, is chasing a first major title since winning Wimbledon in 2008.