Williams sisters rivalry

Venus Williams (left) and Serena Williams (right).

Venus Williams and Serena Williams (born June 17, 1980, and September 26, 1981, respectively) are professional tennis players and sisters who have faced off 28 times in professional tournaments, most recently in the final of the 2017 Australian Open on 28 January 2017, where Serena claimed a history-making 23rd grand slam. Serena leads their sisterhood 17–11.

Both Williams sisters have been ranked World No. 1: Venus for a total of 11 weeks, beginning in February 2002; Serena for a total of 316 weeks, beginning in July 2002.

The Williams sisters are the only two women during the open era to play each other in four consecutive Grand Slam finals: from the 2002 French Open to the 2003 Australian Open.[1] Serena won all four of these finals.

Venus has won 49 singles titles over the course of her career, and Serena has won 72.

The two sisters remain personally very close. They have won 22 titles when playing doubles together, including 14 Grand Slam titles and 3 Olympic gold medals.

History

1998–2000

Serena and Venus Williams played their first professional match against each other in the second round of the 1998 Australian Open.[2] Venus won 7–6(4), 6–1. The match was described as "subpar".[3] They played again in the quarterfinals of the Italian Open, the first clay court tournament of Serena's career,[4] which Venus won 6–4, 6–2. Together they won two doubles titles.

Their next match was almost a year later in the final of the 1999 Lipton International Players Championships in Key Biscayne, Florida. Serena was coming off her first two tournament titles,[5] but Venus won the match 6–1, 4–6, 6–4. The match was the first singles final between sisters on the WTA tour[6] and was described by their father as a "bullfight".[7] Serena won her first professional singles match against Venus later that year in the final of the Grand Slam Cup. Serena was coming off her first Grand Slam championship at the US Open and defeated her elder sister, and defending champion, 6–1, 3–6, 6–3. Venus was the only top player up to this point that Serena had not yet defeated.[8] Together, they won three doubles titles, two of them being majors; French Open & U.S Open.

Entering their next match in the semifinals of Wimbledon in 2000 (their first match against each other on grass), Serena was the favorite.[9] However, the victory went to Venus 6–2, 7–6(3), who would go on to win the Wimbledon trophy for her first Grand Slam singles title. They teamed up to win the Wimbledon doubles title and later the Olympic gold medal. Venus's career advantage now stood at 4–1.

2001

They started out the year by winning the Australian Open doubles title.

In the spring at the Tennis Masters Series in Indian Wells, California, amid controversy Venus withdrew before her scheduled semifinal match against Serena. The Williams family was accused of match-fixing, but the accusation was dismissed by most, including Andre Agassi who called it "ridiculous".[10] Serena won the final against Kim Clijsters amid boos, during both the match and the subsequent trophy presentation.[11]

The only match between the Williams sisters during 2001 occurred in the final of the US Open, where they had never met but where both had previously won singles titles. This was the first final involving sisters at a Grand Slam tournament during the open era and the first since the Watson sisters played in the 1884 Wimbledon final. This match has been described as arguably "the most-anticipated tennis final in years".[12] However, nerves seem to have played a factor in the match, which was won easily by Venus 6–2, 6–4.[12] Noted journalist Peter Bodo has said that this first Grand Slam final played between the Williams sisters was "really a pretty lousy match,... even though it was a great performance by the winner."[13] With the victory, Venus now led their rivalry 5–1 and in Grand Slam singles titles 4–1.

2002

Venus and Serena would play each other four times in 2002. In addition to being the most times they had met in a single year, this would also mark the first time that Serena would end the season with a leading head-to-head, 4–0.

Their first meeting of the year occurred in the semifinals at the NASDAQ-100 Open. Serena won the match 6–2, 6–2, only the second victory over her sister in her career and the first since 1999. Venus's loss was described as "listless" and it ended her streak of 22 consecutive matches and three consecutive titles at the event.[14]

Their next meeting was their second in a Grand Slam final, but their first on clay courts. At Roland Garros Serena beat Venus in a "tight" match 7–5, 6–3. The Grand Slam was the first for Serena in three years, and it was the first final at the French Open ever played by sisters. By reaching the final, Venus and Serena assured themselves of moving up to first and second in the world rankings, respectively.[15]

One month later, the Williams sisters again met in a Grand Slam final, at Wimbledon. Again, Serena was the victor 7–6(4), 6–3 and the win moved Serena past her sister to the top of the rankings. Venus still led 5–4 in their head-to-head and 4–3 in Grand Slams, but it was now Serena who was seen as the player "now setting the agenda for women's tennis".[16] They won the doubles title together.

Their fourth and last match of the year occurred in the final at the US Open, in a match where the victor would take not only the trophy but the No.1 ranking as well. Serena won the match 6–4, 6–3 with a "blistering" display of tennis.[17]

2003

2003 would be a year of injuries and loss for Venus and Serena Williams, with the two highlights being the Australian Open and Wimbledon finals.

The first match of 2003 contested between the Williams sisters was the first final between the two players at the Australian Open but the fourth consecutive at the majors. Serena won the match 7–6(4), 3–6, 6–4, the closest contested match between them since 1999. The win completed what has become popularly known as the "Serena Slam"; Serena Williams became the first player since Steffi Graf to hold all four Grand Slams at the same time. In addition Venus Williams became the first player since Martina Hingis in 1997 to make four consecutive Grand Slam finals, and the sisters together became the first players in the open era to contest four consecutive finals at the majors. Together they won the doubles title.

This consistent play at recent Grand Slams led some to remark that the Williams sisters had a stranglehold on women's tennis.[18]

The Williams sisters next met in the 2003 Wimbledon final, a repeat of the 2002 final in the same tournament. Again the match was close but Serena, aided by an abdominal injury that negatively impacted Venus's speed, won 4–6, 6–4, 6–2. The win was the second consecutive at Wimbledon for Serena and her fifth out the last six.[19] Additionally, the Williams sisters collectively had now won the last four Wimbledon titles and seven of the last nine Grand Slams. Serena Williams had now won their last six consecutive meetings, and led the head-to-head 7–5.

The Wimbledon final was the last Grand Slam final contested between the two for five years. Both sisters would be knocked off the tour by injuries, and then have to contend with the death of Yetunde Price, their half sister.[20]

2004–2005

Venus and Serena Williams did not meet in a professional tennis match during 2004, a year which saw neither sister win a Grand Slam for the first time since 1998. 2005 would be a return to Grand Slam victory for both of the Williams sisters, but in perhaps a sign of the increased competition neither of their championships were decided against each other.

Their first match of 2005 was in the quarterfinals of the NASDAQ-100 Open, their third career meeting at the tournament. The match was won by Venus Williams 6–1, 7–6(8); it was the first meeting outside of a final between the two in three years and was the first win by the elder Williams sister in four years.[21]

The Williams sisters next met on one of the largest stages in tennis, the US Open, though much earlier in the tournament than they were accustomed to. Venus, as the recent Wimbledon champion and after three "magnificent efforts" to reach this round was perhaps favored in a Williams head-to-head for the first time in a few years .[22] In the fourth round (their earliest meeting in a Grand Slam since their very first at the 1998 Australian Open) Venus Williams won 7–6(5), 6–2. Venus would lose in the quarterfinals 4–6 7–5 6–1 to eventual champion Kim Clijsters, the first time since the 1998 Rome meeting that the winner of a Williams sisters match-up did not win the title.[21]

At the close of the year, after the first year since 2000 in which Serena was unable to win a match against her older sister, Venus Williams had now tied the head-to-head 7–7.

2008–2009

The first meeting in 2008 between the sisters occurred at the Canara Bank Bangalore Open, their first meeting in a Tier II event. The only match between the sisters to end in a third-set tiebreak, both Venus and Serena were, according to commentator and former player Tracy Austin "busting a gut to win". The match end in a 6–3, 3–6, 7–6(4) victory for Serena.

Venus and Serena next met on a familiar stage, Wimbledon; the match was their fourth meeting on the grass courts and their third final. The match featured "big hitting and big serving" as well as "some wonderful defense and court coverage". Testament to the fact that this was arguably the best Williams sisters match to date, former player and commentator John McEnroe has called the match "borderline classic".[23] Venus won the match 7–5, 6–4. They teamed up to win the doubles title and later a second Olympic Gold Medal together.

At the US Open, fourth seeded Serena defeated seventh seeded Venus in the quarterfinals 7–6(6), 7–6(7) and eventually won the tournament. Tennis Magazine proclaimed the match the best women's singles match of 2008. The final match-up of the year between the Williams sisters was during the round robin phase of the year-ending Sony Ericsson Championships, with Venus winning 5–7, 6–1, 6–0. This was the first 6–0 set in their matchups.

At the end of 2008, their career head-to-head record was tied 9–9.

The Williams' first match of year 2009 was at the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships, where they met in the semifinals. In a match that was described as a "thriller" by CNN, Venus prevailed 6–1, 2–6, 7–6(3). Serena was dogged by a knee injury in the third set, but did not excuse herself because of this, and Venus said that the match had been worthy of a final.[24] Simon Reed, writing for Eurosport, said that the rivalry had become "greater now than it ever has been" in the previous three or four matches, due to the increased emotional intensity that the matches appeared to stir up in the players, which he believed had been lacking in the earlier part of their careers.[25] Venus and Serena next played in the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open in April. Serena won the match 6–4, 3–6, 6–3, temporarily secured her World No. 1 ranking, and tied their head-to-head record at ten wins apiece.[26] The two reached the final of the 2009 Wimbledon Championships for both singles and doubles. Serena won the singles title for the first time in six years, beating Venus 7–6(3), 6–2. They met for the fourth time in the year during the round robin phase of the year-ending 2009 Sony Ericsson Championships, with Serena winning 5–7, 6–4, 7–6(4) saving match point. They met again in the final of the tournament with Serena winning again by a score of 6–2, 7–6(4). The head-to-head now stood at 13–10 in favor of Serena, who has also won the last four meetings.

2013–2015

Due to a mixture of injury and illness the pair did not face each other again until the 2013 Family Circle Cup. It was their first matchup on clay since the 2002 French Open final. Serena won her fifth consecutive match against Venus. Venus and Serena's 25th encounter came in the semi-finals of the 2014 Rogers Cup. Serena went into the match with a five consecutive match winning streak against her older sister. However, Venus won the match 6(2)-7, 6–2, 6–3, making the sisters' head to head record at 14–11 in favor of Serena. Venus increased her Premier Mandatory/Premier 5 record against Serena to 5–2 and her semi-final record against her sister to 3–4.

After a period of six years, the pair met in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2015 - their first meeting in a grand slam event since Wimbledon 2009. It was the pair's sixth meeting at Wimbledon. Serena won the match by a score of 6–4, 6–3, making the sisters' head to head record 15–11 in Serena's favor and 4–2 in Wimbledon again in favor of Serena.[27] They met again in the quarterfinals of the US Open, where Serena won, taking the head to head to 16–11 in her favor.

2017

The sisters renewed their grand slam rivalry in the Australian Open final. Serena won her seventh Australian Open title, and 23rd Grand Slam title overall, defeating Venus 6-4, 6-4. The win also allowed Serena to pass Steffi Graf's 22 grand slam singles titles.

Analysis

This section analyzes the rivalry in regards to their professional and personal relationship, how their entwined careers and rivalry has affected their legacy, and the overall cultural impact of the rivalry.

Relationship and competitive dynamic

The professional relationship and dynamic between Venus and Serena Williams is deeply affected by their close personal relationship. The notion of two top professionals emerging from the same family to compete against one another is unprecedented, and is a scenario which has been described as being "as improbable as one set of parents raising Picasso and Monet."[28] After Serena's big wins over Venus' only finals at the 2003 Australian Open and the 2002 French Open, journalists said "Clearly Venus has a 'big sister complex' towards Serena". Peter Bodo, further speaking to the unlikeliness of siblings contesting Grand Slam finals, states "It's a common occurrence that will cease to be possible, perhaps ever again, the moment they set the sticks aside."[29]

Legacy

The all-Williams final at the 2001 US Open drew a larger television audience than the Notre Dame-Nebraska college football game being broadcast at the same time.[30] In fact, part of the reason that the women's final at the US Open was moved to its "prime time" spot was because of the positive effect that the Williams sisters had on television ratings.[31] CBS's four highest-rated US Open women's finals of the last decade all involved the Williams sisters.[32]

The Williams legacy can also arguably be seen in the increased representation of African Americans among tennis professionals and new players, though their representation among professionals still remains small.[33][34] A third of all new players at the grass-roots level are either African American or Hispanic, a fact to which the USTA's president Jane Brown Grimes says, "I can't help but think that Venus and Serena are drivers behind that".[32]

List of all matches

WTA, Grand Slam, and Grand Slam Cup main draw results included.

Winner — Legend
Grand Slam tournaments (15)
WTA Tour Championships (3)
Grand Slam Cup (1)
Premier Mandatory & Premier 5 (7)
Premier (2)
International (0)

Serena Williams–Venus Williams (17-11)

No. Year Tournament Name Tournament Location Surface Round Winner Score
1. 1998 Australian Open (1) Melbourne, Australia Hard Second Venus 7–6(4), 6–1
2. 1999 Italian Open (1) Rome, Italy Clay (red) Quarterfinal Venus 6–4, 6–2
3. 1999 Lipton International Players Championships (1) Key Biscayne, Florida, U.S. Hard Final Venus 6–1, 4–6, 6–4
4. 1999 Grand Slam Cup (1) Munich, Germany Carpet (I) Final Serena 6–1, 3–6, 6–3
5. 2000 The Championships (1) Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Semifinal Venus 6–2, 7–6(3)
— 2001 Indian Wells Masters (1) Indian Wells, California, U.S. Hard Semifinal Serena Walkover
6. 2001 US Open (1) New York City, New York, U.S. Hard Final Venus 6–2, 6–4
7. 2002 NASDAQ-100 Open (2) Key Biscayne, Florida, U.S. Hard Semifinal Serena 6–2, 6–2
8. 2002 French Open (1) Paris, France Clay (red) Final Serena 7–5, 6–3
9. 2002 The Championships (2) Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Final Serena 7–6(4), 6–3
10. 2002 US Open (2) New York City, New York, U.S. Hard Final Serena 6–4, 6–3
11. 2003 Australian Open (2) Melbourne, Australia Hard Final Serena 7–6(4), 3–6, 6–4
12. 2003 The Championships (3) Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Final Serena 4–6, 6–4, 6–2
13. 2005 NASDAQ-100 Open (3) Key Biscayne, Florida, U.S. Hard Quarterfinal Venus 6–1, 7–6(8)
14. 2005 US Open (3) New York City, New York, U.S. Hard Fourth Venus 7–6(5), 6–2
15. 2008 Bangalore Open (1) Bangalore, India Hard Semifinal Serena 6–3, 3–6, 7–6(4)
16. 2008 The Championships (4) Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Final Venus 7–5, 6–4
17. 2008 US Open (4) New York City, New York, U.S. Hard Quarterfinal Serena 7–6(6), 7–6(7)
18. 2008 Sony Ericsson Championships (1) Doha, Qatar Hard Round Robin Venus 5–7, 6–1, 6–0
19. 2009 Barclays Dubai Tennis Championships (1) Dubai, United Arab Emirates Hard Semifinal Venus 6–1, 2–6, 7–6(3)
20. 2009 Sony Ericsson Open (4) Key Biscayne, Florida, U.S. Hard Semifinal Serena 6–4, 3–6, 6–3
21. 2009 The Championships (5) Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Final Serena 7–6(3), 6–2
22. 2009 Sony Ericsson Championships (2) Doha, Qatar Hard Round Robin Serena 5–7, 6–4, 7–6(4)
23. 2009 Sony Ericsson Championships (3) Doha, Qatar Hard Final Serena 6–2, 7–6(4)
24. 2013 Family Circle Cup (1) Charleston, U.S. Clay (green) Semifinal Serena 6–1, 6–2
25. 2014 Rogers Cup (1) Montreal, Quebec, Canada Hard Semifinal Venus 6–7(2), 6–2, 6–3
26. 2015 The Championships (6) Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom Grass Fourth Serena 6–4, 6–3
27. 2015 US Open (5) New York City, New York, U.S. Hard Quarterfinal Serena 6–2, 1–6, 6–3
28. 2017 Australian Open (3) Melbourne, Australia Hard Final Serena 6–4, 6–4

Breakdown of the rivalry

Mixed Doubles

No. Year Tournament Name Tournament Location Surface Round Winners Losers Score
1. 1998 French Open (1) Paris, France Clay Final Venus
Justin Gimelstob		 Serena
Luis Lobo 		6–4, 6–4

Exhibitions

Singles (Venus–Serena 10–5)

No. Year Tournament Name Tournament Location Surface Round Winner Score
1. 2001 J.P. Morgan Chase Tennis Challenge Delray Beach, Florida, U.S. Outdoor Hard Serena 7–6(4), 6–4
2. 2004 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Venus 6–3, 6–4
3. 2004 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Venus 6–4, 7–5
4. 2004 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Venus 6–3, 2–6, 6–3
5. 2005 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Seattle, Washington, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Serena 6–4, 6–3
6. 2005 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Venus 6–4, 6–4
7. 2005 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Washington, D.C., U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Venus 6–3, 6–4
8. 2006 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Denver, Colorado, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Serena 7–5, 6–3
9. 2006 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Venus 5–7, 6–4, 10–6
10. 2006 McDonald's Williams Sisters Tour Charlotte, North Carolina, U.S. Indoor Hard Round Robin Venus 6–3, 6–4
11. 2009 Billie Jean King Cup Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Indoor Hard Final Serena 6–4, 6–3
12. 2011 Medellin Exhibition Medellin, Colombia Red Clay – Venus 6–4, 7–6(5)
13. 2012 Breaking The Mould Lagos, Nigeria Hard – Venus 6–4, 7–5
14. 2012 Breaking The Mould Johannesburg, South Africa Indoor Hard – Serena 6–3, 6–4
15. 2013 Buenos Aires Exhibition Buenos Aires, Argentina Red Clay – Venus 7–6(6), 6–2

Doubles

No. Year Tournament Name Tournament Location Surface Round Winners Losers Score
1. 1999 Super Power Challenge Cup Hong Kong Hard Semifinal Serena Williams
Li Fang		 Venus Williams
Lillian Lin Ning		 7–6(2), 3–6, 6–3
2. 2002 JP Morgan Tennis Challenge Delray Beach, Florida, U.S. Hard Venus Williams
Alexandra Stevenson		 Serena Williams
Lori McNeil		 8–4
3. 2003 JP Morgan Tennis Challenge Naples, Florida, U.S. Hard Serena Williams
Jana Novotná		 Venus Williams
Brenda Schultz-McCarthy		 8–7(6)
4. 2004 Lexus Tennis Challenge Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. Hard Venus Williams
Brenda Schultz-McCarthy		 Serena Williams
Anna Kournikova		 6–3

Grand Slam Performance timeline

Combined singles performance timeline (best result)

Key
W  F  SF QF #R RR Q# A NH
(W) Won; (F) finalist; (SF) semifinalist; (QF) quarterfinalist; (#R) rounds 4, 3, 2, 1; (RR) round-robin stage; (Q#) qualification round; (A) absent; (NH) not held.
To avoid confusion and double counting, these charts are updated either at the conclusion of a tournament, or when the player's participation in the tournament has ended.
W
(W) Won tournament: final contested by the Williams sisters.
Tournament199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017
Aus. Open A QFV QFV A SFV QFV WS 3RV WS 3RS WS QFSV WS WS 3RV 4RS QFS 4RS WS FS WS
French Open 2RV QFV 4RV QFV QFS WS SFS QFSV 3RV QFV QFS 3RSV QFS QFS A 2RV WS 2RV WS FS 4RV
Wimbledon 1RV QFV QFV WV WV WS WS FS WV 3RV WV WV WS WS 4RSV WS 4RS 3RSV WS WS FV
US Open FV SFV WS WV WV WS A QFS QFV 4RS SFV WS SFS SFV FS WS WS WS SFS SFS

Year-end WTA ranking timeline

Player1995199619971998199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016
Venus 205 216 22 5 3 3 3 2 11 9 10 46 8 6 6 5 102 24 49 18 7 17
Serena 99 20 4 6 6 1 3 7 11 95 7 2 1 4 12 3 1 1 1 2

See also

References

  1. ↑ ESPN.com Tennis: Women's Grand Slam Title Winners
  2. ↑ Montville, Leigh (February 2, 1998), "Slice girls". Sports Illustrated. 88 (4):66
  3. ↑ It's Venus Who Takes Care of Family Matter
  4. ↑ Sibling Revelry
  5. ↑ WTA Tour Website: Serena Williams Bio Page Archived February 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  6. ↑ WTA Tour Website: Venus Williams Bio Page Archived February 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  7. ↑ Williams Showdown: Venus Beats Sister Serena
  8. ↑ Serena Steals Slam From Venus
  9. ↑ Venus beats Serena to face Davenport in Final
  10. ↑ Is something awry in Venus-Serena rivalry?
  11. ↑ It's Venus, Serena at love
  12. 1 2 Venus beats little sister for U.S. Open title
  13. ↑ "Interview with Peter Bodo"
  14. ↑ "Serena beats sister in semi-final"
  15. ↑ "Serena tops Venus for French Open title; Nestor and Knowles drop final"
  16. ↑ "She's no longer just the younger sister of Venus : Serena comes into her own"
  17. ↑ "Serena beats Venus to take US Open crown"
  18. ↑ "Agassi steals show; Serena's Slam overshadowed in Melbourne"
  19. ↑ "Serena Wins Wimbledon"
  20. ↑ "Williams prevails in epic battle"
  21. 1 2 "WTA Tour Website: Venus Williams Bio Page" Archived February 27, 2009, at the Wayback Machine.
  22. ↑ "Another Sister Act: Venus, Serena advance to 4th round showdown."
  23. ↑ "Centre Court belongs to Venus"
  24. ↑ "Venus defeats Serena in Dubai semi thriller". CNN. 2009-02-21. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
  25. ↑ Simon Reed (2009-03-06). "Simon Reed: Sisters, friends... bitter rivals". Eurosport, Yahoo!. Retrieved 2009-03-06.
  26. ↑ Serena beats Venus to reach Miami final
  27. ↑ http://indianexpress.com/photos/sports-gallery/wimbledon-serena-williams-roger-federer-gear-up-for-quarters-in-style/
  28. ↑ "Serena Williams Is Making Sister Rivalry One-Sided"
  29. ↑ "Be grateful Williams sisters rivalry is intensifying "
  30. ↑ "Venus and Serena acing Tiger in important legacy department"
  31. ↑ "Prime time for women’s Open final"
  32. 1 2 "Venus, Serena reclaiming their dominance"
  33. ↑ Venus and Serena acing Tiger in important legacy department
  34. ↑ "Williams sisters' impact on tennis becoming apparent."
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