Top seed and defending champion Venus Williams breezed into the final with a comprehensive victory over sixth seed Justine Henin.

In a repeat of last year's final, Williams overpowered the Belgian 6-3 6-2.

Henin did not play badly but was overwhelmed by the strength of her opponent, who towered over the Belgian by nine inches.

Last year, Henin had managed to take a set off the American and she began impressively, breaking Williams in the first game.

And after gamely battling through six deuces in her own first service game to go 2-0 up, it looked as if Williams might face a real struggle.

But the top seed kept her composure and broke back at the next opportunity before breaking again to clinch the first set.

Williams then upped her game to break twice at the beginning of the second set.

Henin steadied the ship to hold her next two service games but there was no stopping Williams, who is now just one victory away from a third consecutive Wimbledon title.