Venus Williams' latest Wimbledon triumph was down to teamwork fashioned by the most famous family in tennis.
The 25-year-old Williams, whose older sister Yetunde Price was murdered two years ago, has yet to dedicate her third Wimbledon crown but made clear the contribution of her close-knit family.
Younger sister Serena, who returned to America following her third-round defeat by Jill Craybas, kept in touch, while her estranged parents both watched every point from the players' box on Centre Court.
Venus revealed that it was a pep talk from mother Oracene that helped sustain her as she battled back from dropping the first set and saving match point against Lindsay Davenport.
"My mom has always told me to stay tough, tougher than whoever's across the net," she said. "Don't let them last longer than you."
Venus also revealed she drew inspiration from a back-to-the-wall triumph by Serena over Davenport in Sydney seven years earlier when she recovered from losing the first set 6-1 to claim an unlikely victory.
"She was so far down and should have lost but she just kept fighting," she said. "Serena's such a fighter and, to be honest, I think I got that from her. I really do. I was trying to fight like her."
Venus fought back to defeat the world number one 4-6 7-6 9-7 in the longest women's final in Wimbledon history but will not allow her success to go to her head.
Recalling her father Richard's words of wisdom, Venus insists that tennis is not the most important thing in her life.
"There are so many more things that are more important - your family, your beliefs, being a good person, all those things," she said.
