Serena Williams smashes sister Venus Williams in just 72 minutes to reach US Open last-16
It was the most complete performance from the 23-time Grand Slam winner since her return
SERENA WILLIAMS took sister Venus to the cleaners and then admitted: I’m glad it’s over.
The two tennis superstar sisters met for the 30th time in their professional careers but the end result was a damp squib for a star-studded New York crowd as the 23-time Grand Slam winning legend eased home 6-1 6-2 in just 72 minutes.
It was her most commanding win over Venus at a major (their all-time tournament record now stands at 18-12 to Serena) and equalled her best ever result - the exact same score at Charleston in 2013.
The US TV networks had been building this clash up ever since the draw was made but both Williams sisters would rather it never happened.
Serena, who now plays Estonia's Kaia Kanepi in the last-16, said:” It feels good for the match to be over with. Win or lose, it just feels good that that's done.
“It takes more mental energy than physical. It's not easy, but it is what it is. We started this journey 35 years ago, maybe less.
“Well, in a way, it started before we were born, so we started this journey a long time ago. We kind of knew what to expect.
“Even though it's difficult, especially for me, we just do the best that we can.
“I think it's by far the best match I ever played against her in forever. But I don't know about ever, ever. It probably was. I played much better tonight than I have since I started this journey on my way back.”
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This was Serena’s most complete display since returning following the birth of her daughter last September and only a fool would bet against her equalling Aussie Margaret Court's all-time Slam record of 24 next weekend.
Venus, two years older at 38, admitted: "I don't think I did a lot wrong. But she just did everything right."