Serena Williams
New York (AFP) – Serena Williams will play sister Venus for the 27th time as professional rivals in a US Open quarter-final Tuesday, but no prior matchup has had so much at history stake.
World number one Serena is three wins shy of completing the first calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988 and taking a 22nd Slam singles title to match Graf’s Open Era record, two shy of Margaret Court’s all-time mark.
“I have to play Venus Williams next. I have to deal with that pressure first,” Serena said. “It’s not easy. I have to be really ready.”
Exactly 14 years to the day after they met in their first Grand Slam final at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the sisters will return for their 14th career Grand Slam meeting, one that might be the toughest hurdle between Serena and a rare feat she has not achieved.
“I don’t think anyone wants to be a spoiler. I think people love to see history being made,” Venus said. “But at the same time, you’re focused on winning your match.”
Serena, two years younger than Venus at 33, leads the Williams sibling rivalry 15-11 with an 8-5 edge in Grand Slam meetings, but they have split four US Open meetings, including Venus winning the 2001 final and Serena taking a 2002 rematch.
“The only player in the draw I don’t want to play, not only because she’s my sister, but for me she’s the best player,” Serena said of Venus.
“She has beaten me so many times. She’s a player that knows how to win, knows how to beat me and knows my weaknesses better than anyone.”
Venus wants to add to a trophy collection that includes the 2000 and 2001 US Opens and five Wimbledon titles, the most recent in 2008.
Sisters Forever: Serena embrace sister Venus
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Source:: PM Newspaper
