Serena Williams advances, roots for Australian swimming sisters
RIO DE JANEIRO — After winning her first-round match Sunday, Serena Williams offered some advice — for two sisters on the Australian swim team who will be competing against each other here in the Summer Olympics.
Like Serena and her sister, Venus, Australia’s Cate and Bronte Campbell have paired up, winning a gold medal Saturday as members of Australian women’s 4x100m freestyle relay. But like Serena and Venus have done so many times, the Australian sisters will compete head-to-head — during individual competition at the pool.
“They just got to leave it all out in the pool,’’ Serena Williams said, “and once they get out of the pool, family first. …
“I hope they can get gold and silver."
The Williams sisters, favorites to win gold in the doubles competition, were scheduled to team up later Sunday. But first, Serena Williams had work to do against Australia’s Daria Gavrilova — and perhaps more work than the spirited crowd at the Olympic Tennis Centre expected.
Gavrilova, ranked No. 27 in the world, broke Williams’ serve twice in the first set and exasperated the 22-time Grand Slam winner. But after closing out the first set 6-4, Williams looked more dominant while winning the second set 6-2.
“It was good," said Williams, who won the gold medal in singles play at the 2012 Olympics. “I’m happy to win my first match. No one wants to go out in the first round. It’s always a little tricky."
Although she would be on the court soon again for doubles, Serena Williams indicated she’s done more than play tennis during her stay in Rio.
“My eyes are glued to the TV watching the different disciplines and everything going on," she said.
If she’s watching at the right time, she will be able to watch the Australian sisters go head-to-head like she and her older sister have countless times.
“I always root for sisters,’’ said Serena Williams, who with a grin added, “as long there’s no Americans in it."