Serena Williams Vs Venus Williams Us Open 2018

Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka sizzled in the scorching Melbourne heat on day three of the Australian Open. (More Tennis News)Williams, aiming once more for a record-equalling 24th singles grand. Serena Williams and Venus Williams spoke to the press after their match against each other in the 3rd round of the 2018 US Open. It was the 30th career matc. Serena Williams is fined $17,000 (£13,100) for the code violations that included calling the umpire a 'liar' and 'thief' in her US Open final defeat.

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Serena en Venus behaalden later samen goud tijdens de Olympische Zomerspelen van Sydney door in de finale van het Nederlandse duo Miriam Oremans en Kristie Boogert te winnen. Op het US Open kwam Williams niet verder dan de kwartfinale: haar landgenote Lindsay Davenport versloeg haar met 6-4 en 6-2.

NEW YORK -- Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams.

At the US Open.

Yes, there will be some eyeballs on this one when the two take the court Friday. As the tennis world waits, our experts gathered to answer the most important questions surrounding this latest Williams family gathering at a Grand Slam.

1. Serena Williams played two night matches. Venus Williams played two day matches. Given the attention to the heat this week in Queens, how much of an advantage is it for Serena? A little? A lot? Not at all?

Peter Bodo, ESPN.com tennis writer: The heat and humidity during the day are one thing, length of match is another. Serena has lost just nine games in four sets; Venus lost 22 in five sets. Venus was on court for two hours longer (4:17 total vs. 2:17), which is like having played an entire additional, longer-than-average singles match. The only saving grace for Venus was that the points in her match with Camila Giorgi were relatively quick, owing to both women liking to give the ball a ride. Add the detail that Venus is more than a year older and it's clear: Advantage Serena.

Kelley L. Carter, Undefeated senior entertainment writer: Venus actually has an advantage because she's played in inclement weather this week -- she has had to play in almost unbearable temps so far, and has been able to come up with victories almost effortlessly. Playing at night should be relatively easy, considering she was able to fight through the hot temps and still win her matches. Surely that means she's got more in her, now that she won't be held back by those nasty weather conditions.

Bonnie D. Ford, ESPN.com senior writer: I don't think this will be a factor. Venus certainly had to exert herself in the first round but didn't show any ill effects in her next match. The absolute temperature and humidity may have been higher for Venus' match against Giorgi on Wednesday than Serena's against Carina Witthoeft, but she also would have gotten back to her hotel to start recovering far earlier than Serena, who probably arrived in Manhattan close to midnight. Having been in Ashe myself Wednesday night, I can tell you the air was heavy and oppressive even at 8 and 9 p.m. It will be considerably cooler next time they play and, fact is, both of them have decades of experience in dealing with varying conditions.

D'Arcy Maine, espnW writer: Between the extreme heat of the day matches, and the higher quality of opponent Venus has faced thus far, it feels like Serena definitely has somewhat of an advantage. Venus needed three sets to beat former US Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on Monday, and then battled with Camila Giorgi, who at No. 40 in the world rankings is the top player either has played so far. Neither of Serena's matches were close, and barely lasted over an hour under the significantly-cooler night sky. She is likely feeling as well rested as possible at this point. Also, while she's certainly not showed any symptoms of it so far in Queens, Venus does have Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease which can cause fatigue and muscle and joint pain, and one has to wonder how the conditions have affected her in that regard.

Serena Williams Vs Venus Williams Us Open 2018

Aishwarya Kumar, ESPN.com International writer: If Serena was facing anybody else who'd played two day matches in the scorching heat in Flushing Meadows, I'd have said she has an advantage going in. But Venus has done this for decades now -- she's played in similar conditions in the past and knows how to adapt to extreme heat. She also didn't seem worried during the news conference after her second-round win. She said it was tough out there, but she was staying hydrated. According to Melissa Leber, US Open's player physician, it's much easier for players to go from playing in extreme heat to cooler weather -- and the temperature is expected to drop into the 70s on Friday. Keeping in mind Venus' experience and her ability to adapt, Serena does not have any heat-related advantage going into the game.

2. What does Venus need to do to win this match?

Bodo: The most important shot for Venus will be return of serve, especially if Serena is having a good night at the notch. The big advantage Venus has going in is Serena's lack of match play. Kid sister simply isn't accustomed to moving around the court, point after point, grinding out games and sets. If Venus can get Serena on her back foot from the get-go and engage her in rallies, lack of match play and perhaps even fitness could become issues.

Carter: Venus needs to build on the momentum of her most recent victories. Also helpful is the amount of media attention specifically directed at her baby sister. If Serena isn't able to silence the critics or detractors or the absolute noise surrounding her, then Venus can jump in and strike while the heat is rising up on Serena and play with her mentally.

Ford: Start fast if Serena starts slow, as she often has a tendency to do; return well; and want it more. Neither will be able to count on the crowd to pump them up. I'm sure the sisters will get a huge ovation at the start and end of the evening, but crowd energy during their matches is usually subdued -- it's an awkward situation where most fans don't know who to root for. This may sound ridiculously basic, but Venus would simply have to compete better to win.

Maine: Exactly what she did during their last meeting at Indian Wells in March. Sure, that was Serena's first tournament back after childbirth, and she was more than a little rusty, but, despite all the hype and emotions, Venus stayed focused and got the job done in straight sets. During that match, Venus had 19 unforced errors, compared to Serena's 41, and dominated from start to finish. When at her peak, Serena is unquestionably the better player, but she's not quite back to that form just yet, and Venus knows her weaknesses and vulnerabilities better than anyone. If she can exploit them on Friday, she definitely could take the W.

Kumar: Venus will have to find a way to break Serena early on in the first set to gain confidence. But that alone will not be enough. Serena is known to up her game when the need arises. Venus will have to minimize unforced errors along the baseline and get Serena to move around the court more. When Serena missed a couple of backhand shots in her second round, she was frustrated. It is important for Venus to get Serena to feel the heat early on and then capitalize on it with solid serving games.

3. How disappointing is this that these two are meeting this early in the US Open?

Bodo: Well, it's no more disappointing than when they met in semifinals back in the glory days, when it was almost a sure bet that the winner of that match would probably take the title. That was almost worse because, let's face it, for these two it was always about holding up the trophy at the end of the tournament. Now a Williams tournament win is no certainty by any means. But there's also this, even though only one of the sisters benefits from it: Once the match is out of the way, the winner doesn't have to deal with the stress -- and incessant attention -- that precedes these meetings.

Carter: This matchup feels like it should happen on the last day of the tournament. People who are not tennis enthusiasts tune in to big-deal matches because they love seeing the competitive dynamic of two of the sport's biggest names, Venus and Serena. It feels odd we're getting to see the two of them go up against one another right now, because most of their fanbase isn't a major tennis fanbase, it's people who simply love all the gifts the Williams sisters have given us, off the court.

Ford: I don't think you can ever say it's a disappointing occasion when these two meet at any stage of a Slam. Seeing the photos of them as teenagers here 20 years ago emphasizes the breathtaking sweep of their history. Since every match could be their last, every match should be appreciated. The only 'disappointment' is that one of them will be out of the draw afterwards.

Maine: So disappointing. Don't get me wrong, it's always a treat for tennis fans to get to see these two meet, no matter when or where, but it just would feel so much more satisfying with more on the line. As they both have discussed at length how difficult it is, mentally and emotionally, to play one another, it is a shame they have to do this in just the third round. Both sisters have played well so far, and have the potential to go deep in this tournament, so it seems genuinely unfair for one of them to have to go home this early.

Kumar: It's definitely disappointing. Both Serena and Venus are playing high-quality tennis. Serena is moving much better than she was at Wimbledon and Venus is finding ways to surprise her opponents late in the match. An all-Williams semifinal would have made for a great spectacle during prime time at Arthur Ashe. Still, Serena vs. Venus is always a big deal. There's history, emotions, fandom and a lot of memories. As Venus pointed out, the last time they played each other in a Slam was at the Australian Open and it was two against one -- Serena was pregnant during the match. So, it will be an exciting encounter nevertheless.

4. Who wins?

Bodo: I'm picking Venus to win to win because of the continuity she's been able to have in her career, and the emotional boost her two previous wins have provided in what has been a challenging year (she's won only two Grand Slam matches before the US Open). She's a reasonable 21-13 over the past 52 weeks and has trained and played consistently. Her 1-2 punch of serve and forehand from the midcourt is a formidable weapon that will put a lot of pressure on Serena, and her fitness will enable to stay in rallies when Serena is serving.

Carter: I'm going to pick Serena. She has so much to win for; she's now representing new mothers everywhere, trying to juggle it all and proving to everyone around them - and themselves and the children they're rearing - that you can have it all and return to greatness, with a quick career pause after giving birth. She knows what she's fighting for and we're going to see that on the court. Final score: 6-4, 6-3.

Ford: I hate predictions, but ... Serena 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, with a match that will be tighter than the score indicates.

Maine: Ser, er, Venus, no, Serena. My answer very likely will change about 700 times before the match, but right now, I'm picking the younger Williams sister in three sets -- 7-5, 3-6, 6-2. Despite being just her fourth tournament back since maternity leave, Serena exceeded just about everyone's expectations at Wimbledon, advancing all the way to the final. Knowing how she shines brightest on the big stages, and with the confidence she gained during the last Grand Slam, it feels like Serena should be able to put this one together -- in front of an adoring home crowd -- and beat her older sister.

Kumar: My gut says Serena, but my gut has always said Serena whenever these two play against each other. Serena looks more comfortable on the court -- there is a fluidity to her movements and she looks unstoppable. Venus, on the other hand, had to dig deep to pull off a victory in her first round against Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova. Granted, Kuznetsova is a former US Open champion and is a much tougher opponent than the two Serena had to face. And their head-to-head does stand at 17-12 Serena (which includes 10-5 in majors) in their 29 previous meetings.

5. How far does the winner advance in the US Open?

Bodo: That's an impossible question to answer with any real conviction because what the other players in the draw do at the same time will impact things. But this much is for sure: Defending champion Sloane Stephens, a potential semifinal opponent, may be the biggest stumbling block of all. To get to her, Venus would probably have to go through either former finalist and No. 8 seed Karolina Pliskova or tricky Ashleigh Barty. Venus might find herself facing an on-fire Angelique Kerber -- who defeated Serena in the recent Wimbledon final -- if she makes it to the final.

Carter: I want to see Serena go all the way, and I believe she will. Again, she understands what is at stake. Her victory in this tournament isn't just a lone victory for Serena Williams; it truly is a victory for so many women out there. Whether she wins or loses, she'll certainly continue to be an inspiration to all women, everywhere. A victory in this tournament is the delicious cherry on top, the perfect revenge for anyone who ever told her she couldn't achieve.

Ford: I would see Serena reaching at least the semifinals. She gains momentum through tournaments. There still aren't many women in the draw who can beat her when she gets to the second week.

Maine: As if facing each other in the third round wasn't bad enough luck, the winner of this match would have next faced No. 1 seed Simona Halep had she not been eliminated in the first round. However, now it will be either Kaia Kanepi, who pulled off the upset against Halep, or Rebecca Peterson, both significantly easier opponents. A potential meeting with Karolína Pliskova could loom in the quarterfinals, and a clash with defending champion Sloane Stephens (if she can get past a resurgent Victoria Azarenka) in the semis is possible. Despite these incredibly tough tests, it's hard to ever bet against Serena. I'm feeling bold here, so I'm predicting Serena Williams takes home her 24th Grand Slam singles trophy next week. (Why not, right?)

Kumar: If Serena takes out Venus, she will have a fairly easy path to the semifinal. She could meet Kaia Kanepi, who took out No. 1 seed Simona Halep, and Karolina Pliskova en route to the semifinal. And my eye is on the semifinal. It will be yet another all-American semifinal if Sloane Stephens holds up her end of the bargain. The defending champion will face the six-time champion for a spot in the finals. It's hard to predict who will come out on top in this encounter, but if I had to bet, it'd be Serena, because of the consistency of her game at the moment. She is serving well and is almost impossible to break. Will she make it beyond the semifinal? Yes. And in the final, there is a good chance she will meet her Wimbledon 2018 final opponent Angelique Kerber. My bet is on Serena to win it all.

Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka sizzled in the scorching Melbourne heat on day three of the Australian Open. (More Tennis News)

Williams, aiming once more for a record-equalling 24th singles grand slam, made serene progress from round two on what was the hottest day of the tournament so far.

It was a similar story for Osaka, who is aiming to become a two-time champion at Melbourne Park, but Simona Halep had to dig deep while Bianca Andreescu and Petra Kvitova were early casualties on Wednesday.

PLAIN SAILING FOR SERENA AND OSAKA

Williams' perfect start to the season extended to 5-0 as she swatted aside Nina Stojanovic 6-3 6-0 to set up a round-three meeting with Anastasia Potapova – the same opponent she overcame in Melbourne in the first round a year ago.

The seven-time Australian Open champion is looking forward to renewing acquaintances with the Russian.

'It's always a fun, interesting match [against Potapova]. I'm gonna go home, get ready and just do the best,' she said.

'We're all out here to have fun and I'm happy to be out here, and just to be playing in front of crowd again is really cool. So every day is just fun.'

Osaka, the current US Open champion and the winner in Melbourne two years ago, hammered former world number four Caroline Garcia 6-2 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena in the evening session.

The Japanese star is set to face her friend Ons Jabeur for the first time in an official match in round three.

'She's really funny,' Osaka said of her next opponent. 'I don't know if you guys watch any of her interviews. I think she is really funny and nice.

'I think the match I am going to play against her will be really difficult, but I'm looking forward to it.'

Serena Williams Vs Venus Williams Us Open 2018 Tennis Youtube

Vibes @naomiosaka #AO2021 #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/0bq2WoS30h

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 10, 2021

HALEP SURVIVES TOMLJANOVIC TEST

In contrast to Williams and Osaka's comfortable wins, second seed Halep was taken to the brink by home favourite Ajla Tomljanovic, who won the first set and was serving for the match in the third.

However, 2018 finalist Halep broke back when trailing 5-4 in the decider and battled through with a 4-6 6-4 7-5 victory in a match that saw a combined 94 unforced errors (57 for Tomljanovic, 37 for Halep).

'I was expecting that she would play very hard and very strong. I expected it to be a difficult match, but it was more than I thought. But I'm really happy that I can smile now,' Halep said.

'I was not that positive when I was talking to myself. I didn't talk about the score, I was just blaming myself, that I'm not strong enough to win against her. But in the end mentally I was maybe a bit stronger than her, and I didn't want to give up.'

Venus And Serena Williams

Last year's losing finalist Garbine Muguruza (14) was too good for Ludmilla Samsonova in a 6-3 6-1 win, while French Open champion Iga Swiatek (15) dispatched Camila Giorgi 6-2 6-4.

Aryna Sabalenka (7), Marketa Vondrousova (19) and Veronika Kudermetova (32) all made it through, but fellow seed Elena Rybakina (17) was beaten in straight sets by Fiona Ferro.

The joy of winning @Simona_Halep #AO2021 #AusOpenpic.twitter.com/umRo0WOVBY

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 10, 2021

EARLY EXITS FOR ANDREESCU AND KVITOVA

Andreescu became the latest scalp for veteran Hsieh Su-Wei, who earned a commanding 6-3 6-2 victory and is now 4-3 against top-10 players in the slams since 2017.

Eighth seed Andreescu won the US Open in 2019 but missed the entirety of last year with a knee injury, while her preparation here was disrupted by spending 14 days in quarantine after her coach tested positive for coronavirus.

'After my first round, I thought I would feel more exhausted, but I felt amazing. Also, today the weather was a bit tricky. Being in the heart of quarantine I could have had those extra two weeks of like being in the heat and getting used to sweating and all of that,' she said.

Next up for Hsieh is Sara Errani, who defeated Venus Williams 6-1 6-0. The veteran American rolled her ankle towards the end of the first set and, despite needing two medical timeouts, valiantly saw out the match.

Kvitova was a runner-up to Osaka in 2019 and appeared on course to recovery after dominating the second set against Sorana Cirstea.

But amid sweltering conditions, the Czech ninth seed went on to lose the decider.

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'It was quite a rollercoaster, for sure,' she said. 'Unfortunately I couldn't take the chances to win the first set.

'I think that was really the key of the match. She really had a great day today; she played a good game. I didn't really bring the best tennis today. It's really hurting.'