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Wimbledon: Root For Venus During Our Match, Serena Tells Fans

By EDITORIAL BOARD
04 July 2015   |   11:17 pm
Serena Williams has called on fans to support her sister, Venus, when the two five-time Wimbledon champions meet in an emotional fourth round clash tomorrow. The sisters, who have 27 Grand Slam titles between them, will be on opposing sides of the net for the sixth time at Wimbledon and for the 26th time in…
Serena Williams reacts after winning a set against Britain’s Heather Watson during their women’s singles third round match on Friday. Serena will meet her older sister, Venus, in a fourth round game… on Monday.  								                PHOTO: AF

Serena Williams reacts after winning a set against Britain’s Heather Watson during their women’s singles third round match on Friday. Serena will meet her older sister, Venus, in a fourth round game… on Monday.<br />PHOTO: AF

Serena Williams has called on fans to support her sister, Venus, when the two five-time Wimbledon champions meet in an emotional fourth round clash tomorrow.

The sisters, who have 27 Grand Slam titles between them, will be on opposing sides of the net for the sixth time at Wimbledon and for the 26th time in their careers.

Venus, 35, thrashed Aleksandra Krunic to reach the last 16, while Serena, 33, had to survive an almighty scare against Britain’s Heather Watson before guaranteeing the first all-Williams tie at Wimbledon since 2009.

Since Serena won that final clash six years ago, the sisters’ paths have diverged with the younger sibling putting herself among the all-time greats by reaching 20 Grand Slam titles.

In contrast, Venus has slumped down the rankings as she fights a constant battle with auto-immune disease Sjogren’s syndrome that often leaves her exhausted.

As a result, Serena believes Venus’ struggles deserve the sympathy of the All England Club crowd if they have to pick sides.

“I expect more people to be rooting for Venus,” said Serena. “I would be rooting for Venus. She’s been through so much. She’s had a wonderful story.

“She’s been so inspiring to me; she’s just an incredible individual. She’s just so amazing. She’s been so inspiring to a lot of people with the same things that she goes through, too.”

Venus returned the compliment, claiming she would support Serena if she were a neutral bystander tomorrow.

“That’s interesting, I’ll probably be cheering for her,” Venus said when told of Serena’s desire for the crowd to support her.

“I haven’t given any thought to the crowd really. There’s no such thing as giving up for me in my life. But also for her, she’s been through so much.

“You see players that continue to talk about injuries that area like 9,000 years old. She never complained once. You have to give her credit for that.”

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