Venus Williams has knocked out defending champion, Kiki Bertens, in the second round of the Western & Southern Open, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, her sister, Serena, withdrew from the WTA Premier event on the same day.
Venus won over the Dutch fifth seed in a tense game, finishing, 6-3 3-6 7-6(4). This was the third time the two women have faced off against each other, with both previous encounters making it to three sets. Likewise, Tuesday’s match was also fought into the third set, ending after 2hours and 17minutes of play.
“If I could figure it out, I would try and win in straight sets,” Williams said in a post-match press conference. “I’ll have to give a long think to that one.”
Williams triumphed at their first meeting in Miami, with Bertens pulling level after their second encounter at Wimbledon. But, after their latest battle, Williams pulls into the lead once more.
However, it has been a different story for Serena Williams. The 23 grand slam champion withdrew after the Rogers Cup final on Sunday having not fully recovered from a back injury.
She was due to face Zarina Diyas, who went on to win against stand-in Jessica Pegula 7-4 6-4.
With the US Open 2 weeks ago, her fitness could be an issue if she wishes to equal Margaret Court’s 24 grand slam titles.
For more top women’s tennis, check out Ashleigh Barty One Win Away From World No.1 Tennis Ranking.
