Is it 2002 again?
The final of the Australian Open on Saturday was set to feature the American sisters Venus and Serena Williams together at the end — a common sight a decade or more ago. The sisters had played in eight Grand Slam finals entering Saturday, but not since 2009.
Not every fan has pined for the return of the Williams rivalry (broadcast live at 3:30 a.m. on ESPN and repeating at 9 a.m. on ESPN2). Their matches are often criticized as passionless, and the sisters have said they do not especially enjoy playing each other.
“It definitely doesn’t get easier,” Serena