Venus hails inspirational Serena

Serena Williams
12 April 2012

Reigning Wimbledon champion Serena Williams was hailed as an inspiration by sister Venus as she prepared to continue an emotional title defence.

Serena is playing only her second tournament since recovering from a serious foot injury and blood clots on the lungs, which left her in fear of her life. The 13-time grand slam champion broke down in tears after beating Aravane Rezai 6-3 3-6 6-1 in the first round on Tuesday.

Serena faces the Romanian Simona Halep on Court Two at midday and her Sister Venus Williams said: "I think she showed (against Rezai) that once you're a champion, you're always a champion as long as you're always willing to believe in yourself. I think she a good role model for anyone. It means a lot to her to be back."

Venus added: "I don't think anybody else will ever understand what she's been through. As a family we always stayed positive. When times get tough, we always laugh. She stayed positive and I think a lot of people could have got negative."

Venus has also been sidelined for most of the year, with a hip injury, but she navigated through a "perfect storm" to beat veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm and reach the third round.

While rain fell outside, Venus and Date-Krumm entertained the Duchess of Cornwall and the Centre Court crowd under the closed roof with some breathtaking tennis.

Date-Krumm took the first set on a tie-break but only after Venus had battled from 5-1 down and saved a total of seven set points.

Venus moved a break up early in the second set to draw level in the match before prevailing in a hard-fought third to clinch a 6-7 (6/8) 6-3 8-6 victory in nearly three hours.

The American had only played four matches since January after suffering the injury at the Australian Open and was relieved to find a way past the 40-year-old.

"I thought she played unbelievable. I thought she had some luck on her side. This is a great surface for her too," said Venus. "It was a perfect storm for her to try to get a win. Thankfully I had some answers."

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