Serena Williams didn’t need to be at the U.S. Open to overshadow her older sister once again.
Just before ninth-seeded Venus Williams advanced to the fourth round Friday afternoon, defeating Maria Sakkari, 6-4, 6-4, Serena became a mother for the first time, giving birth to a baby girl.
Serena, who is engaged to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, reportedly checked into a Florida hospital Wednesday, and was induced into labor Thursday night, welcoming her daughter into the world shortly before Venus stepped onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Serena hasn’t played on tour since winning her record 23rd major title at January’s Australian Open — against Venus in the finals — though Serena’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, has said that the 35-year-old is hoping to return to Melbourne to defend her title at the beginning of next year.
After Venus’ win, she declined to discuss the joyous occasion, though the seven-time major winner acknowledged that she spoke with Serena before the match.
“Obviously, I’m super excited,” Venus Williams told ESPN before her match. “Words can’t describe.”
Despite the exciting, and unusual circumstances, Venus said her niece’s arrival didn’t have any effect on her concentration. The 37-year-old has now advanced at least as far as the fourth round at the U.S. Open for the third straight year, following four straight years failing to reach the fourth round.
“You know, I’m a real professional, because I have been doing this for a long time, so when the first ball starts, it’s a ton of excitement out there,” Venus said. “This is the U.S. Open.”
Yes, but it has been unlike any U.S. Open Venus has ever played in.
Since Serena debuted in Flushing Meadows in 1998, she has been absent on only two occasions (2003, 2010), and even when her little sister was injured, Venus’ family would still be in her box. This year, their mother, Oracene Price, among other family members, is notably absent, and believed to be with Serena, and her new granddaughter.
Without her family offering support from the seats, the new aunt sidestepped whether it makes a difference during her matches.
“I mean, if I say yes, maybe I’m handicapped, and if I say no, maybe I’m not appreciating them,” said Venus, who is 4-3 all-time against her next opponent, Carla Suarez Navarro. “I have been spoiled my whole career of having my family surrounding me. I don’t think many players get that opportunity, so I’m, like, more than blessed.
“I think the key thing is to have done your training. When you have done your training, then it shows on the court. … I think I know how to process it all.”
Venus has long had the experience, and for the first time in years, her consistency has caught up. It has been seven years since she advanced past the quarterfinals in Queens. It has been 16 years since she won her second U.S. Open crown, and nine years since she won her most recent major.
This year, Venus already has reached two Grand Slam finals for the first time since 2003.
“My best tennis this year has come at the majors,” Venus said. “I don’t play nearly as much as some of my contemporaries, but this year when I have played, it’s definitely been quality tennis. That’s exactly what I want.”
If Venus reaches the quarterfinals, she could meet third-seeded Garbine Muguruza, who won their most recent showdown in straight sets the finals of Wimbledon.
Muguruza would know what to expect in a rematch, and was far more curious what the newest Williams girl might look like with a racket.
“Baby girl?” Muguruza asked, upon hearing the news. “Well, I hope she doesn’t play tennis.”