US Open Day 3: Williams sisters set up an epic third round matchup
Serena and Venus Williams won their second round matches, and are all set for a 30th showdown in their legendary history.
Serena and Venus Williams will headline day five at the U.S. Open with their third round matchup in the evening. It will be the 30th time this legendary sister team will meet. Serena holds the edge having beaten her older sister 17 times, compared to 12 for Venus. But 38-year-old Venus won their last exchange, earlier this year at Indian Wells. The time before that? The Australian Open final, where Serena famously won her record 23rd grand slam title while in the early stages of pregnancy.
A lot’s changed since then.
While Serena was out on maternity leave and dealing with health complications from giving birth, Venus enjoyed an incredible 2017, making two grand slam finals and the WTA finals, where a win in Singapore would have given her the world No. 1 ranking and the oldest woman to do so, but ultimately lost to Caroline Wozniacki. Still, the seven-time slam champion clocked in one of her most successful seasons on the Tour in years and will be coming into this match still building on that impressive period.
This year Serena has been battling her way back to the top while raising her newborn. She made it to the Wimbledon final but lost to Angelique Kerber. However, the run in London established the 36-year-old’s comeback as she chases Margaret Court’s slam record, one of the few records left that the American hasn’t completely owned (yet). Serena Williams owns the Open Era record of 23 sla, but gets closer to equaling and surpassing Court’s 24 with each major.
But first, the new mom and legend has to get through her older sister Venus, who is seeded only one spot above her at No. 16.
“The last time we played the Australian it was two against one,” Venus said, via USA Today, smiling, after her win over Camila Giorgi on Wednesday, 6-4, 7-5. “At least this time it’s going to [be] fair.”
Commentator and tennis legend Chris Evert gives the slight edge to younger sister Serena—who beat Carina Witthoft on Wednesday, 6-2, 6-2.
"“Serena is more consistent now. She’s eager and she’s moving better. The question is can Venus step it up? Serena is kind of on a roll, as she’s proven in her last two matches. She’s starting to get her mojo back.”"
Evert also talked about the sheer uniqueness of witnessing two sisters dominate women’s tennis in this way.
“I love it. It’s a celebration of the two most dominant players over the last 20 years,” Evert said Thursday, via LA Times. “It’s a legacy we’ll never, ever see again, two sisters playing at that level. It transcends tennis purists. Everybody is curious and will be intrigued.”
Novak Djokovic also talked about their incredible legacy in his press conference, viewed on ESPN.
"“It’s really impressive. As I said, respect for both, what they have done in their careers. To see them play at their age still, and keep on going, it’s inspirational, really, for all of us,” said the 13-time slam champion."
The match is set to play approximately at 6 p.m. on Arthur Ashe Stadium. TV coverage of the U.S. Open can be viewed on the ESPN channels.
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