Serena sets up Venus clash at US Open

Serena Williams brushed aside German Carina Witthoeft under lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Wednesday to reach the third round of the US Open.

There she will meet sister Venus, who earlier in the day overcame Camila Giorgi 6-4 7-5.

It will mark the 30th clash between the iconic sisters, a series dating back to their first meeting more than 20 years ago at Australian Open 1998.

Serena on her upcoming third round against Venus: Normally I would say cheer for me, but whatever you're feeling, me or Venus…

— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) August 30, 2018

“It’s obviously a tough match,” Serena told the crowd during her on-court interview.

“It’s so young in the tournament, but it is what it is. It’s not the end of the world. We would rather have met later. We’re both going to come out per usual and play our best in front of you guys.”

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Venus won their most recent meeting in the third round at Indian Wells this year, while Serena took the honours in their most recent clash at the US Open, which came three years ago in the quarterfinals.

Serena beat Witthoeft 6-2 6-2 in 67 minutes, a commanding display that featured 13 aces among 30 winners and just 15 unforced errors.

“It’s always such a great crowd at night. It’s just amazing to play in front of this crowd,” Serena said. “I was happy with a lot of things.”

Two HUGE women’s third-round matches locked in at the #USOpen. Which are you most excited for?

— Tennismash (@tennismash) August 30, 2018

Venus, seeded 16th and a two-time champion in New York, powered through the first set against Giorgi but appeared to lose energy toward the end of the second in broiling conditions inside the newly built Louis Armstrong Stadium.

She said the crowd’s encouragement had helped her.

“I felt the energy, definitely,” Venus said. “That 0-40 game at four-all was not looking good and you guys really got me through that.”

Her showdown with Serena will be the earliest between the Williams sisters at a Grand Slam tournament since they played in the second round at that career-first meeting at the Australian Open.