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We tend to forget how big, and bad, Venus Williams can be. For the past several years she has been overshadowed by the phenomenal play of her little sister, Serena Williams, who damn well may be the greatest player in the history of tennis.
However, before little sis’ game grew to her current magnificent state, big sis was the best player in the game. Her grace and power were a thing of beauty. A rash of injuries and illness slowed her down some, but this sister has seven major titles in her trophy case.
Yes, we tend to forget Venus Williams will one day be inducted into the hall of fame as one of the sports’ best ever.
Nonetheless, I’ve always thought that, as great as she is, it could be tough to be overshadowed by little sis. The sibling rivalry thing can be hard, whether it’s playing in the back yard, watching your sister getting the lead role in the church play, or watching your sister win four consecutive Grand Slam titles.
But the beautiful thing about Venus and Serena Williams is the unconditional love and respect they have for each other. They are unbreakable. They are each others biggest fans.
You can see it on their faces when they play each other, there is no joy for the winner. It is just an occupational hazard.
On Friday, there is no doubt that Venus had a little payback in her heart, when she took on Roberta Vinci, in a highly, contentious, tense match in the semifinals of the Wuhan Open.Vinci upset Serena in the semifinals of the U.S. Open to snap her Grand Slam streak at four.
Late in the match Vinci, who speaks Italian, became upset with Venus. Vinci, serving to avoid match point felt Williams was taking too long to get set for match point. “What the f*&ck!,” Vinci said. “Do you want a tea or coffee maybe.”
Williams, who also speaks Italian, answered, “Excuse me?” I am sure she had to be thinking, “B!*tch, don’t you know I am from Compton, and I will whip yo’ ass?”
Of course, Venus is far more classy and sophisticated than that. She simply answered Vinci with a vicious forehand to win the point, and the match. After the match Venus was complimentary of Vinci, and she took the high road. Then Venus thought of her little sister. “I wish I could have given this win to Serena,” she said.
Saturday, she went on to win her finals match over Garbine Muguruza, 6-3, 3-0 (Muguruza retired with an ankle injury). It is the 47th WTA championship for Venus in her illustrious career.
