8-time world number one Serena Williams booked a date with her elder sister Venus at the round of 32 after a straight sets’ win over Carina Witthoeft at the ongoing US Open.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner displayed a robust play at the Arthur Ashe Stadium to beat Germany’s Witthoeft in a 6-2, 6-2 win that lasted one hour and seven minutes on Wednesday night.
Williams’ performance was a sharp improvement of her previous displays since she returned from a maternity leave. Striking 13 aces and converting 5 out of 6 break point opportunities, the American outclassed Witthoeft with 30 clear winners and only half as many errors.
In the next round, Williams will face her bigger sister Venus. The two have met in 29 occasions, 17 of which matches the younger Williams won.
“I wouldn’t say it’s exciting, but it’s definitely going to be a really tough match for me,” Serena admitted after her win. “Once again, it’s early in the tournament. You know, it is what it is,”
Termed the match between the sisters, a meeting between Serena and her 2-time US open winner sister has always exhilarated fans. At the early stages of their careers, the two met at the closing rounds of tournaments. Fans had to split up to back either sister for a win.
Now, with Serena’s marital obligations and Venus’ own lifestyle, the sisters will face off at round 32 of the competition. The meet will be the sisters’ 16th at a Grand Slam competition and the 30th overall.
