MELBOURNE: Venus Williams said yesterday her sister Serena was a fighter and was determined to play on at the Australian Open, despite rolling her ankle in the first round.
The world number three and hot tournament favourite twisted her right ankle during a 6-0, 6-0 demolition of Romania’s Edina Gallovits-Hall on Tuesday.
The defiant 15-time Grand Slam champion claimed only a “fatal” injury would prevent her contesting the second round against Spain’s Garbine Muguruza on today, and Venus also indicated she would be on court.
“I guess she has to see how she feels. I don’t know how she feels, she’ll see tomorrow (today),” she said.
Asked if they had spoken about the injury, she replied: “Yeah, I was like, ‘How are you feeling?’ She was like, ‘Yeah, I’m good’.
“You know, obviously I’m not going to give any details in here.
“She’s obviously a fighter and she doesn’t complain, so... She’s not looking for any sympathy. She just wants to hopefully play the singles and doubles, and that’s it.”
The reigning Wimbledon, and US Open champion moved her scheduled session from court 17 to the indoor training facility at Melbourne Park yesterday and her tennis practice was closed to the media and public. AFP
