Williams sisters rumble in Lagos

By John EGBOKHAN
Two of the biggest names in world tennis, Venus and Serena Willaism, will today clash on the Lord Rumens Centre Court of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan.

In what is going to be the biggest match that Nigeria and indeed, Africa, has witnessed in its history, the clash between the current world number three and number 24, who between each other, have won an amazing record number of 22 Grand Slam titles, starts at 10.30am, with almost all the seats already sold out.

Speaking on the exhibition match, Venus, said that she expects a very tough contest from Serena, who is just a year younger but, remarkably, has won more major titles than the former.

“I expect a very tough match from her, even though, it is an exhibition game but we always take our matches against each other seriously”, Venus, told reporters Wednesday in Lagos.

Continuing, Venus, who has been troubled with injuries for most part of the season, said that she was going to be playing for a win.

“I am a competitor. Anytime I step on the court to play, the objective is to win and I hope that victory will swing in my favour. But against Serena, I know that I would playing against a fiery fighter, who like me, always loves winning”, said Venus.

On her part, Serena, who only last weekend, won the WTA Tour Championship held in Istanbul, Turkey, said that she hopes to add another title under her belt by beating Venus in today’s showdown match at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club.

While admitting that Venus was a formidable foe, Serena, who won this year’s Wimbledon Open and US Open, as well the singles and doubles gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games, said that like in other matches against Venus that she was going to be very professional.

“This is a professional game, so you can expect the very best from me. I would be playing with the intention to win and I know that my game is good and I just hope for the best so that the fans can enjoy every moment of the stay with us”, she said.