The chances of both the Williams sisters playing at the Hong Kong Open in the future will be a serious possibility according to world No.14 Venus.
Venus spoke about the attendance Serena shortly after she defeated Japan’s Risa Ozaki 6-4, 6-1, in the first round of the tournament. This year is her second consecutive appearance following her run to the semifinals in 2015. Playing in what was a full capacity arena against Ozaki, Venus praised the audience and spoke optimistically about being joined by her sister in the tournament next year.
“I’ve been coming to Hong Kong for many years. My first time was in 1999 and I’ve been coming back ever since, so it feels like home.” She said.
“I’ve told Serena to come next year so hopefully next year I will bring my doubles partner.”
Playing in front of an army of fans, the second seed experienced a tough start to the match after dropping two of her first three service games before utilizing her powerful shots to her own advantage. During the opening encounter Venus won 60% of her service points and converted 4/6 break points to seal the straight sets win.
“I tried to play my best today.” Venus said. “My opponent was really feisty and so many balls comes back, but I think my experience helped. I was a little more experience than my opponent, but she played well.”
In the second round Venus will play France’s Alize Cornet, who defeated Varvara Lepchenko 6-3, 6-2. The two players also faced each other in the tournament last year with the former world No.1 cruising to a 6-1, 6-1, victory. Venus has never lost to Cornet in her career, winning all six of their previous meetings on the tour.
Joining the seven-time grand champion in the second round will be eighth seed Daria Gavrilova. The Australian dropped only two games during her 6-0, 6-2, thrashing of China’s Lin Zhu. Gavrilova only lost ten points on her serve throughout the entire match.
Finally, Louisa Chirico has placed herself on course for a clash with world No.1 Angelique Kerber after dismissing wildcard Ya-Hsuan Lee 6-2, 6-1. Kerber will play Greece’s Maria Sakkari in her first round match later in the week.
