Wimbledon, LONDON, UK — Sport’s most famous sister act will open the action on Centre Court on Monday as Serena and Venus Williams fight for a spot in the Wimbledon quarter-finals.
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Over 17 years on from their first meeting on the professional tour, the Venus-Serena match-up remains a blockbuster affair. The story of the Williams sisters is firmly established in tennis folklore yet they’re still going strong with Serena ranked No1 in the world and Venus No16.
The Williams sisters have had every move praised, scrutinised and documented over the years, have been imortalised in movie form, had Snoop Dogg rap about them, and even left their mark on the fashion industry.
They’ve met 25 times before – 11 of which have been finals. They’ve played each other on every surface and share a rivalry that spans three decades, with Wimbledon the home to more encounters between the siblings than any other tournament.
For the sixth time, and first since 2009, the All England Club – the world’s most iconic tennis venue – will host the clash.
“I just feel bad they have to play each other in the next match. It doesn’t feel right,” American legend Billie Jean King told Sport360 at Wimbledon. “I wish they hadn’t been in the same half, I always look at every draw and hope they’re not in the same half.”
King, a seminal crusader for equality, the driving force and first president of the WTA knows a thing or two about leaving behind a legacy. The 12-time grand slam singles winner believes Venus and Serena are far from done making a difference in the world.
“Their legacy is already established but it’s amazing they’re still not finished. They’ve done so much already. All these majors they’ve won. Also, they set a great example of crossing colour barriers which I think always sends a great message,” said the 71-year-old.
“Their legacy is going to be so wonderful, and transcending tennis and they have such a great platform because of tennis. It will be great to see what they can accomplish even after their careers.”
At 33 and 35 respectively, Serena and big sister Venus have won a combined 27 grand slam singles titles. They have each won five times at Wimbledon but Serena edges their head-to-head 14-11 overall and 3-2 at SW19.
King has known the sisters since they were young girls and has watched them develop into the superstars they are today.
“It was very difficult when they first played each other. They’re only 15 months apart in age. Serena is definitely the baby, and the Hollywood girl. Venus is quieter, likes to go home more, not go out as much at night,” said King.
“They’re both magnificent on grass. I think this is by far Venus’ best surface, especially for her forehand. They both can play on anything, they’ve won so big.
I’m just relaxing too and waving from across the street @serenawilliams #wimbledon #tennis #dreams… https://t.co/lsxR29BClN
— Venus Williams (@Venuseswilliams) July 5, 2015
“They both know how to play each other, their strengths and weaknesses, that’s the good news-bad news. Sometimes it doesn’t create a great match because they know each others’ play so much and they practiced together as children. They didn’t play junior tennis so much so it was always just the two of them.”
Serena enters the second week coming off a battling third round win over Britain’s Heather Watson who led the world No1 3-0 with a double-break in the final set before succumbing.
“Serena I think has the upper hand (against Venus),” said King. “Usually when Serena plays a bad match she comes back and plays a great match because she gets upset with herself and really focuses.
“But for Venus it’s an unbelievable opportunity to do well, maybe even win. You never know with Venus because she’s got her autoimmune disease (Sjogren’s syndrome) she has to deal with.
“So sometimes she wakes up and feels fantastic, other days she wakes up and she’s tired, it’s very hard on her. I just hope she feels healthy when she wakes up so they have a great match.”
Why is #ManicMonday so excellent? Here are 6 reasons. Full Order of Play here: http://t.co/DR8qNxHizI pic.twitter.com/PkKed0ZeS2
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 5, 2015
Both sisters are in awe of one another and despite being competitors, remain each other’s No1 fan and supporter.
“I’d be rooting for Venus,” Serena said ahead of their last 16 clash.
“It’s unfortunate that it’s so soon (in the tournament). But we’re going to do the best that we can. She’s my sister today. She’s my sister next week. She’s my sister next year. I think that’s a little more important than a match. We’ll leave everything out on the court. When it’s done, we’ll go back to regular life.”
Serena calls Venus the toughest player in women’s tennis. It seems Venus views her sister in similar light.
“You just have to be focused. There’s no easy points against Serena. I think no matter how Serena’s playing, she knows how to win. I think I’m playing very well actually. Just have to keep that up,” said Venus.
