Not on my watch

Venus says she wants to spoil Serena's 'Slam' party

MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) -- Venus Williams says she has no intentions of rolling over and letting younger sister Serena win the Australian Open and complete her Grand Slam of major titles.

Venus said she wants to win the championship for herself, even if it means denying Serena a place in history as one of only five women to hold the four major titles at the same time.

"When I'm on the court, I'm a competitor," Venus said. "No matter who is, I hate to lose and it's the same with her."

The two sisters have played each other in the last three grand slam finals with Serena winning them all to take the world's No. 1 ranking from Venus.

Now Venus, who beat Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-3 6-3 on Thursday to advance to the final, wants to end her run of losses against her younger sister.

"I've always wanted to win the titles, especially if it's a Grand Slam. I'm just as hungry, I'm just as motivated," Venus said.

"If she were to twist her ankle on the court, of course I'd be concerned, but I would still have to go out and hit the next shot. That's the way it is."

Venus won the Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles in 2000 and 2001 but hasn't won a major since. Chasing a hat-trick of majors at last year's Australian Open, she was upset in the quarterfinals by Monica Seles.

"It's so exciting, I've struggled and failed before and never been so close to winning the Australian Open," Venus said.

"I guess it's at this point you think about taking the title home, so at least I'm always in the position to be the victor."

While Serena was twice taken to three sets on her way to the final, Venus hardly raised a sweat as she won each of her six matches in straight sets, getting close to the form that saw her reach the No. 1 ranking three separate times between February and July 2002.

"I think I'm doing good. The only time I'm making errors is when I rush myself but it's in my nature to play an aggressive game," Venus said.

"That's the way I was taught to play the game because the people that are winning are playing aggressive and making things happen on the court.

"I really just have to keep focussing and keep playing like I am. I have to keep my errors down and keep coming in, keep holding serve."

 

Related information

Stories

Venus makes it to Australian finals; Serena next?

Multimedia

Visit Video Plus for the latest audio and video

Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.