Serena Williams Wins Historical 23rd Grand Slam Over Sister Venus

Serena Williams (AP Photo)

Serena Williams defeated her sister 6-4, 6-4 to win her 23rd grand slam championship. With this win, Serena passes Steffi Graff and she now holds the most grand slams in the Open Era. Serena needs one more grand slam to tie Margaret Court Smith who holds the most grand slams at 24 (though she did this before the Open Era). It is possible by the end of the year Serena will hold the most grand slams ever. As for the match, as is always the case, it was a blast in the past, as Serena took on her elder sister Venus.

The match started off scratchy for the both sisters who traded two breaks to start the match. It was obvious that Serena was dealing with some nerves and frustration early on. Serena smashed a racquet after losing her footing that cause her to lose the point. However, Serena would right the ship and after both were able to hold serve to 4-4 it was Serena who got the break and took the first set.

In the second set both Venus and Serena each did a good job holding serve until about the sixth game of the set. But it was once again it was Venus who cracked first, with Serena being able to get the break. Though Venus had a small opening with Serena serving for the match, Serena held her off and won the championship. The two exchanged a warm embrace at the net, revealing their strong sisterly bond to their world.

The real highlights came in the trophy speeches were both sisters shared loving words about each other. Venus, who held back tears, stated about her sister “”Serena Williams, that’s my little sister. “I have been right there with you. Some of them I have lost right there against you. It’s been an awesome thing, your win has always been my win.”

Not to be outdone by her sister, even in speeches, Serena return the kind words saying, “There’s no way I would be at 23 without her — there’s no way I would be at one without her. Thank you Venus for inspiring me to be the best player I can be and inspiring me to work hard.”

The love between the two sisters was clear as day and despite their match not having the highest quality it was still a great moment for the sport of tennis. With the win over her sister, Serena will regain her number one ranking from Angelique Kerber. Also by winning the title, Serena became the first tennis player to win seven majors at two grand slams (she also has seven Wimbledon Championships). As a gift for winning her 23rd grand slam Serena received and wore a custom pair of Air Jordans with the number 23 on it.