Williams sisters battle at the US open'

If, • 1

by Jenn Smith staff writer

watching her little sister keep up the pace in her own matches.

This newfound power has paid off for Venus this year.

Though you may not have caught the match, the media Capriati and Davenport haven't beaten her, she has earned hype following this historical 2001 Women's US Open is something hard to miss. How could anyone resist the story? Two •world-renowned tennis players, battling it out on the court for the title. Their games? Both untouchable in power and speed. Their determination? Nearly unmatched on the court. The catch? They're sisters.

Dueling tennis divas Serena and Venus Williams battled it out on the court on Saturday night as the entire world watched with suspended anticipation. As is the case in every match though, someone had to come out on top. While both commanded an amazing match, in the end, Venus took the title.

Ranked number four in the world by the Women's Tennis Association, the , older of the Williams sisters cleaned the court with her younger (but equally worthy) opponent. "I don't know," said Serena after Saturday's match, "I think she's beaten everyone."

Venus who was 2-0 against her sister this year (5-2 overall) doesn't take all the credit for her power packed performance. Serena has proved to be one of her biggest inspirations on the court. Venus is now hitting the ball harder and farther than anyone else on the court and says that most of her fight comes from six titles and an overall record of 46-5. She won sixteen consecutive matches and three tournaments. Although impressive, this repeat trophy winner maintains a strong sense of modesty for her accomplishments. "I guess I've had the most amount of titles. But for me, I've almost done my personal best. I would have loved to have won some more grand slams but it wasn't the case. Someone else was more deserving of the first two. So it wasn't me." She stated with a shrug. But even after winning the US open, Venus has her sights set on her continuing progress.

Venus takes a swing for yet another win.

Earlier this year she was out with tendonitis in both wrists. Missing so much playing time was detrimental to her personal goals for the season. When asked what Venus sees for herself next season, she casually has only this to say. "Next year, I believe, I'd like to play more in the beginning of the year, maybe less in the end. So I'm