Serena proud of sister Venus despite her US Open singles exit
Venus Williams returned to singles duty at her home Grand Slam for the first time in two years but lost in the opening round.
New Delhi: Veteran Venus Williams might have been beaten on her return to Grand Slam singles action after two years but to her younger sister Serena she still remains an inspiration.
The 45-year-old Venus returned to singles duty at her home Grand Slam for the first time in two years but lost in the opening round.
But her spirit and passion didn't go unnoticed as Serena and her husband Alexis Ohanian paid a glowing tribute.
"Strength, courage, determination, class, perseverance, inspiration… there’s not enough words to describe how proud I am of you @VenusWilliams P.S. I hope to be like you," Serena wrote on Instagram as Ohanian commented "inspired!!!".
On her record-extending 25th singles appearance at the US Open, Venus went down 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to 11th seed Karolina Muchova at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
She lost in two hours, which was her fourth successive exit in the first round of the tournament.
Wildcard in women's doubles
Venus is set to compete in women's doubles after being granted a wildcard. She will partner up with Canada's Leylah Fernandez, a player 23 years her junior.
They are set to face sixth seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok of Ukraine and Ellen Perez of Australia in the first round.
Venus had won the US Open doubles title twice, in 1999 and 2009, when she paired with Serena.
Venus has won seven singles Grand Slam titles while Serena won 23 major titles, making them probably the most sister duos in tennis.