The Williams Family show took centre stage at the US Open with Serena
and Venus both cruising to straight set wins on Sunday to set up a
monster quarterfinal between the tennis siblings.
Whenever the Williams sisters clash on court it is a major tennis
event but with older sister Venus, a twice US Open winner, standing in
the way of defending champion Serena’s quest for a rare calendar-year
grand slam their meeting on Tuesday has been elevated to a must-see
sporting viewing.
With Serena bidding to become just the fourth woman to win all four
grand slams in the same year, the US Openhype machine that already had
been in top gear is now set to crank into overdrive.
The Williams sisters have met 26 times over their careers with Serena
coming out on top 15-11 but meeting number 27 will have more than the
usual family bragging rights riding on the outcome.
“Obviously getting to a Grand Slam semifinal is the next step toward
the final. Pretty clear what’s up for grabs here,” said Venus. “I
think people love to see history being made.
“No one is out to be a spoiler, but at the same time, you’re focused
on winning your match even though the circumstances are really much
different than you.
“You still have to prepare, still have to play well.
“Even though you’re playing your sister you have to be prepared and
focus. The preparation doesn’t change.”
The 35-year-old Venus, seeded 23rd, overpowered 19-year-old qualifier
Estonian Anett Kontaveit 6-2 6-1 in a ruthless fourth-round display
that took just 50 minutes.
Serena followed her sister onto Arthur Ashe Stadium court and was no
less efficient, routing fellow American Madison Keys 6-3 6-3 in 68
minutes.
“She’s playing great,” 33-year-old Serena said about seven-time grand
slam winner Venus, who is two years her elder. “I have to really be
ready for that.
“At least one of us, a Williams, will be in the semis.”
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