The legend continues
Williams sisters set for 30th chapter of rivalry
The Williams sister showdown at the U.S. Open on Friday will be the 30th of their pro careers, and their 16th in a major.
But the latest clash is early — as in far too early in the draw.
When Serena and Venus Williams face off in the third round at Flushing Meadows, it will be their earliest meeting at a major tournament in 20 years.
“It’s what we do, so ... I think we’re used to it now,” said Serena Williams, who practiced on Court 1 on Thursday morning, right next to her sister on Court 2. “Yeah, I wouldn’t say it’s exciting. But it’s definitely going to be a really tough match for me. Once again, it’s early in the tournament. You know, it is what it is.”
The matchup — more befitting a semifinal or final — falls so early in the tournament because of their lowerthan-usual rankings. Venus came in ranked 16th, while Serena came in ranked 26th (and seeded 17th) after missing over a year after the birth of her daughter. Both seeds are low for giants of this generation.
The pair has piled up a combined 30 Grand Slam singles trophies, with Serena claiming 23 of those. They’ve claimed eight U.S. Open singles championships at Flushing Meadows, with Serena winning all but two of them. In short, the Williams sister have dominated this era and transcended the sport.
“The best part is we bring out the best in each other,” Serena said. “I feel like throughout our career, we have pushed each other to be the best that we can be and be Venus and Serena Williams.”
Their first pro meeting was back in the 1998 Australian Open. Venus won that one, with Serena going on to eventually surpass her older sister, holding a 17-12 edge in the series and a 10-5 advantage in majors.
“Was that the first time I played her?” Serena said. “Clearly I don’t remember much. She won. She won that one, so. ... Well, she also knows my game really well. We grew up together obviously.
“It’s really interesting to play someone that knows [you that well]. You have to almost become a different player, which is another challenge, as well. I think that’s also something that helps her.”
For her part, Venus had little interest in discussing Friday’s clash.
“Any further questions? I just want to talk about tennis,” Venus said.
Maybe, but the rest of the tennis world was waiting for her to face her sister again with bated breath, from fans to players, both men and women.
“It’s incredible what they’ve done. I mean, amazing really,” said Juan Martin Del Potro, the No. 3 seed in the men’s draw. “Obviously there’s been other siblings that have had fantastic careers in tennis, but none anywhere close to what they’ve managed to achieve. I’d be surprised if anything like that ever happens again.”
Defending champ Sloane Stephens, who beat Venus in last year’s semifinal, agreed in looking forward to the latest Williams matchup.
“I think it’ll be a great match,” Stephens said. “Obviously, it’s tough to play your sibling, so that’s an added element.”