Serena and Venus Williams cross paths at the US Open
Serena Williams is not excited by the prospect of doing battle with sister Venus at their home grand slam in New York in the US open Third Round.
Serena Williams is braced for a "really tough" US Open showdown with her sister Venus and thinks it is "remarkable" they are both still playing professionally. The siblings will meet in the third round at Flushing Meadows - and for the 30th time in their illustrious careers - on Friday, 20 years after their first encounter at a major.
Serena, the bookies' favourite
Serena is the favourite to win a record seventh title in New York and draw level with Margaret Court's tally of 24 grand slam singles title, while 38-year-old Venus is eyeing a first major triumph for a decade. The younger of the two sisters says she is not relishing another family affair as she chases history in her homeland following a 6-2 6-2 second-round defeat of Carina Witthöft.
"I wouldn't say it's exciting. But it's definitely going to be a really tough match for me." said Serena, the 17th seed. "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, so... I think we're used to it now."
Unimaginable scenario
The former world number one did not expect to be doing battle with Venus at the highest level well into their 30s. "I think that part is really remarkable. I never would have thought that we would still be playing professional," she added.
Venus saw off Camila Giorgi 6-4 7-5 in round two on Wednesday.