Tennis champion Serena Williams is headed to the fourth round of the U.S. Open following a triumphant victory over her sister Venus.
The two world-class athletes met on the court to face off yet again on Friday afternoon in what’s rightfully being heralded as Serena’s best match since returning to the sport after giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia, who turns 1 today. Pushing through an ankle injury from game 2 of the match, the proud wife and mother was in true form as she dominated the remaining games, coming away with a 6-1, 6-2 win over her lifelong opponent and best friend.
Despite emerging victorious in the impressive showing against her sister, Serena was hesitant to describe the match as the best she’s ever played against Venus.
“I think it’s by far the best match I ever played against her in forever,” Serena said, according to ESPN. “But I don’t know about ever, ever. It probably was. I played much better tonight than I have since I started this journey on my way back.”
Venus, on the other hand, begged to differ slightly. She sang her sister’s praises following the match, noting that she “did everything right.”
“I think it’s the best match she’s ever played against me,” Venus said. “I don’t think I did a lot wrong. But she just did everything right. I mean, she played so well, I never got to really even touch any balls. When your opponent plays like that, it’s not really anything to be upset about.”
Serena will next face Kaia Kanepi of Estonia on Sunday.
