‘I’ve still a long way to go’ – Serena admits following defeat to Venus

SERENA WILLIAMS admits she has “a long way to go” to get back to her peak after being knocked out of the BNP Paribas Open by sister Venus.

The younger Williams (below) had progressed to the third round in her first WTA Tour tournament since the 2017 Australian Open, in which she defeated Venus in the final to collect her 23rd Grand Slam title, before taking a break to give birth to daughter

Alexis Olympia.

However, Venus came out on top in Indian Wells for her 12th victory over Serena in 29 meetings, setting up a last-16 clash with Anastasija Sevastova by cruising to a 6-3, 6-4 win over her sibling.

Serena said: “I haven’t played in over a year. (Losing)’s definitely not less disappointing. I wish it were, but it’s not. But then again, I wish it wasn’t. Then I wouldn’t be who I am. “So I just have a long way to go, and I’m looking forward to the journey.” Venus said: “(Serena’s) level is super high and it was very difficult to close out the match, just getting one ball back. I think just I have played more matches in the last year.”