Serena Williams battled past older sister Venus in a dour encounter at Roland Garros to claim her first French Open title.

Serena played tough and I could not make all the shots I wanted Venus Williams

It was only the second time that the two sisters had met in a Grand Slam final, Venus coming out on top in the US Open final of 2001.

It looked as though Venus would triumph again after she opened up a 5-3 lead in the first set.

But Serena won eight games in a row to take the first set 7-5 and lead 3-0 in the second.

Venus managed to stem the flow and fight her way back to 4-3 as Serena's game briefly wobbled.

But the younger of the two siblings won the next two to emerge victorious.

Serena clutches the trophy

Neither Williams was at her best during the match, with both players struggling with their first serves.

But it was Serena's which held up best as the 1999 US Open champion claimed her second Grand Slam singles title of her career.

"I am so happy to have won my second Grand Slam in three years, but obviously I am also a little bit sad for my sister," said Serena.

Venus, who took a camera in among the press photographers to take pictures of Serena, added: "Hopefully I will get to the French Open final again next year.

"I don't think I served well today, that's where the key of the match was.

"Serena played tough and I could not make all the shots I wanted."