The Williams Sisters are going for gold.
After defeating Julia Goerges and Karolina Pliskova, the two are headed to their first Grand Slam doubles final since winning the 2012 title at Wimbledon. In all they have collected 13 Grand Slam doubles wins.
And while this tournament is important, Serena Williams, 34, says she and her sister would like to score another top medal for the United States at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That would be their fourth.
“Winning in Rio, I would love that so much more than probably winning the singles gold at this point,” Williams said.
Venus Williams, 36, agreed that this tournament is preparation for the quadrennial athletic competition.
“This tournament has been huge for us to play,” said Venus. “We've played so sporadically the last few years. It's not easy to come out and play one match, then not play for a year.
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| Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images |
Venus Williams' singles run came to an end on Thursday after she was bested by Angelique Kerber.
The elder Williams sister fought her way back into the WTA's top 10 ranked players after she was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disorder. She told Katie Couric in 2013 that the illness makes her fatigued and more prone to injury. “I have to be careful of how much I do now” she explained on "Katie."
Serena Williams will face Kerber in her third straight Grand Slam singles final.
If she wins, she will tie the record for Grand Slam wins in women's tennis. And it appears that she knows the pressure is on.
In a press conference she said that “for anyone else in this whole planet,” reaching three Grand Slam finals in one year would be a wonderful accomplishment.
“For me, it’s not enough,” she added. “But I think that’s what makes me different. That’s what makes me Serena.”
“For me, it’s not enough,” she added. “But I think that’s what makes me different. That’s what makes me Serena.”
The women’s doubles final is Saturday, a few hours after the singles final.
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