Serena Downs Venus in U.S. Open showdown

Serena Williams has, like old times, crushed her sister Venus WIlliams 6-1 6-2 in a shockingly subdued third round clash at the U.S. Open on Friday to keep her hope of going home with her 24th Grand Slam title.

Serena simply outclassed her sister in what ended up a “flat, uninspired spectacle” despite the match being hyped as the biggest night of the U.S. Open.

The only moment of suspense in a contest all but devoid of drama came in the second game when Serena rolled over on her ankle, drawing gasps from the sellout crowd.

Venue could not give answers to the heavy questions asked her, as suffered the equal worst defeat in 30 matches against her sister.

“This was my best match since my return. I’ve worked really hard for it … and hopefully, everything will keep paying off.

“I roll my ankles a lot; so I just wanted to get it taped as tight as I could for the rest of the match and see how I feel tomorrow,” Serena said in an on-court interview.

The win was met with polite applause, a hug at the net otherwise there was no evident joy in the outcome.

“She didn’t win that match tonight because I just rolled over. She played “untouchable” tennis.

“I think it’s the best match she’s ever played against me. I don’t think I did a lot wrong. But she just did everything right.

“I never got to really even touch any balls. When your opponent plays like that, it’s not really anything to be upset about,” said Venus.

Both Venus and Serena accept that as two of the game’s very best, there will be times they have to play each other but also have made it clear that they find little joy in it.

“It’s not easy; she’s my best friend; she means the world to me and she’s so supportive of my career.

“Every time she loses, I feel like I do. It’s not easy but it’s a tournament and we all know that there’s more to life than playing each other and playing tennis.

“I love her with all my heart and she’s the reason I’m still out here,” Serena said.