Ageless Williams in the zone at Wimbledon

A 37, Venus Williams is three wins away from becoming Wimbledon's oldest women's champion in 49 years of professional tennis history.

Venus Williams celebrates a win.

Advancing years have not hindered the effectiveness of Venus Williams on Wimbledon's grasscourts. (AAP)

The youngest and most fearless player in the draw stands between Venus Williams and her quest to become the oldest Wimbledon women's champion in half a century of professional tennis.

The 37-year-old American admitted she never tires of winning after sweeping past Croatian teenager Ana Konjuh 6-3 6-2 to book a quarter-final showdown on Tuesday with French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko.

"Winning never gets old at any stage in your career, ever, ever," said the five-time champion.

Also striving to keep the trophy in the family name in the absence of her pregnant sister Serena, Williams is very much in the zone in her milestone 20th appearance at The All England Club.

"When I come to these tournaments, my focus is just me, not necessarily the other 127 women," said the 10th seed.

"So that is all I can control, my performance. That's still my focus at the moment."

Runner-up to Serena at the Australian Open in January, Williams is now three wins away from claiming a sixth crown on London's famous grass, nine years after landing her fifth.

"I just keep stretching. I have no secrets. I'm just doing what I always have done.

"I think I stretch a little harder now," the former world No.1 said of her extraordinary longevity.

Ostapenko looms as formidable challenge for the resurgent superstar after extending her own grand slam singles win streak to 11 matches, with a pulsating fourth-round win over fourth seed Elena Svitolina.

Svitolina saved seven match points before finally succumbing 6-3 7-6 (8-6) on so-called "Manic Monday" at SW19.

Ostapenko is the first, first-time major champion to progress to the last eight at the ensuing grand slam since Kim Clijsters made the 2006 Australian Open semi-finals after winning the 2005 US Open.

The 20-year-old Latvian now has her sights set on emulating Serena's 2015 'Channel Slam' - the rare French Open-Wimbledon championship double.

"Haven't seen her play a lot. I didn't watch any of the French when I was finished with it," Williams said.

"I know she had an amazing moment there. She's riding on that momentum, confidence, I'm sure.

"It's just been such an amazing result for her."


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Source: AAP



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