Venus Williams rolls into U.S. Open quarterfinals
NEW YORK — Big sister sent this message to little sister Sunday afternoon at the U.S. Open: I’ve done my part, now it’s up to you.
Venus Williams won through to the quarterfinals for the first time in New York since 2010 and then waited as Serena Williams took the court. Serena beat Madison Keys, 6-3, 6-3 in just 68 minutes for the right to meet her older sister in the quarterfinals.
Here’s how it went down:
Scoreline: [23] Venus Williams (USA) def. [Q] Anett Kontaveit (EST) 6-2, 6-1
It was the quickest completed match of the tournament in women's singles at 50 minutes on the clock, Venus winning through to a Grand Slam quarterfinal this year for the second time, having done so at the Australian Open, as well.
What it means: It’s big news for Venus, who has continued to struggle with her consistency and her energy levels after being diagnosed with the immune disorder Sjogren's syndrome in 2011.
How it happened: Williams jumped to a 4-1 lead in the first set and never looked back against the world No. 152, who had won six matches at this event having come through the qualifying. Facing break point at 5-1 up in the second, Williams swatted it away and then completed her afternoon when Kontaveit struck a backhand groundstroke crosscourt and wide.
Key stat: After looking in form vs. Belinda Bencic in the third round, Williams continued her ways Sunday, blasting 15 winners and (more importantly) making just nine unforced errors. Also good for Venus: She won in less than an hour and in straight sets for the second time in two matches after having been pushed to three sets in her first two rounds.
What she said: “I played some tougher matches [this tournament],” Williams, 35, said on court. “After playing well in the last match, it helped me be more relaxed today. Experience helped me today in knowing how to play today.
“It’s been awesome,” Williams said of her U.S. Open memories through the years. “I’m so proud of Serena and I think she’s proud of me, too. Even though I have to play Serena, I want her to win. I have a hard time watching her regardless.”
PHOTOS: U.S. Open Round of 16