Venus Williams Defeats Sister Serena Williams in Colombia Exhibition

Written by: Staff on 24th November 2011

Exhibition game of US tennis players Serena Williams and Venus Williams

Venus Williams Defeats Sister Serena Williams in Colombia Exhibition

US tennis players Serena Williams (R) and Venus Williams (L) pose with their trophies after their exhibition game held in Medellin, Colombia, 23 Novemeber 2011. Venus won by 6-4, 7-6 (4). Colombia is the first Latin American country that the Williams sisters visit in their entire professional career. EPA/LUIS EDUARDO NORIEGA |

Venus Williams has publicly played her first game of tennis since being after being diagnosed with the immune system disease Sjogren’s Syndrome at the US Open.

The former world no.1, who has slipped down to 101st on the WTA world rankings but remains the winner of seven major titles, including five Wimbledon crowns, contested an exhibition match against her sister Serena in front of more than 8,000 people in Medellin, Colombia. And for good measure Venus took the spoils, scoring a 6-4, 7-6 victory.

Venus, aged 31, appeared to be suffering no ill effects from her ailment, spending 93 minutes battling it out on the clay surface with her younger sister, before emerging with the bragging rights.

It was Serena’s first time on court since losing the US Open final to Sam Stosur, but despite the result she still holds a 13 wins to 10 head-to-head record against her sibling.

Venus changed her diet to aid her recovery from the illness and now feels she can head back to the top of her game. She said: “My goal next year is to play a full schedule. It will take some work to get there, but I’m no stranger to hard work.

“I love the game. The racket feels right in my hand and I’m planning on going right back to where I was at the top of the rankings in the singles and doubles sometime within the next 12 months.”

The sisters are now scheduled to head for Milan for another exhibition appearance against the Italian duo of Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta on December 3.

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”

Topics: Serena Williams, Venus Williams