Venus Brought the Racket

For the first time in nearly four years, Venus Williams beat out her sister Serena Williams in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. This was their 29th meeting after last years Australian Open.  

Venus Williams now has her first victory over Serena since 2014 https://t.co/nMiDMGWOJ6

— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 13, 2018

Venus came out strong in the 1 ½ hour match, breaking Serena at love in the sixth game. With a 6-3 6-4 game she took the lead with back-to-back aces clocking in at over 100 miles per hour. She definitely caught her groove breaking 4-2 after her first two service games. Venus now ranks as one of the top 10 players in the world and was seeded eighth in the event. 

Serena faced 41 unforced errors several of which were on her forehand side. The new mother has mentioned in previous interviews that it will take time to return to her Grand Slam championship status. She does still hold a 17-12 advantage over her sister and she did score a winning backhand shot down the line for a deuce in the second set.  

Game, set and match, Venus Williams: 6-3, 6-4.

But the night belongs to both Venus and Serena. What an absolute treat to watch. This time, it was older sis who was just a little too strong #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/lMPORI2jkZ

— BNP Paribas Open (@BNPPARIBASOPEN) March 13, 2018

The sisters have boycotted the Indian Wells for 14 years after their last match when Venus pulled out of the semi-finals with a knee injury.  

As Venus moves forward in the Indian Wells, Serena will be preparing for her next tournament in the Miami Open.