Former world No.1 Serena Williams believes her upcoming clash with sister Venus at the US Open with help bring out the best in her.
Williams powered into the third round at Flushing Meadows on Tuesday with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Germany’s Carina Witthöft. The 68-minute clash saw the 17th seed convert five out of her six break points, as well as hitting 13 aces and 30 winners. This year Williams is bidding to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles.
“I think Patrick (Williams’ coach) told me I served really well today. I agree. Even though I was broken, I feel like I was able to serve pretty well today. So that was pretty good.” She evaluated about her latest performance.
Awaiting Williams next will be 38-year-old Venus, who dismissed Italy’s Camila Giorgi 7-5, 6-4, in her second round match. It will be the 30th clash in one of the most famous sibling rivalries in the history of sport. Their rivalry started 20 years ago at the 1998 Australian Open. Williams leads Venus 19-12 in their head-to-head.
“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.” Williams said about the upcoming meeting.
“Unfortunately and fortunately we have to play each other. We make each other better. We bring out the best when we play each other. It’s what we do.”
Williams’ biggest difficulty against her sister may not be physically, but mentally. Unlike other matches, the killer instinct is somewhat tamed because of who she is playing. Although she will be eager to get revenge following a straight sets loss to Venus earlier this year in Indian Wells. The tournament where she made her comeback after giving birth to her first child.
“I never root against her, no matter what.” Stated Williams. “I think that’s the toughest part for me. When you always want someone to win, to have to beat them. I know the same thing is for her. When she beats me, she always roots for me as well. I think that’s just the hardest part.”
Whilst there are advantages in playing somebody you know so well, there are also drawbacks for the world No.26. Who says she has to ‘become a different player’ whilst taking on Venus.
“It’s really interesting to play someone that knows. You have to almost become a different player, which is another challenge, as well. I think that’s also something that
helps her.” She concluded about her rivalry.
The third round will be the sixth time the two sisters have played against each other at the US Open and the first since 2015.
