At Williams, the focus is currently on Alexis Olympia Junior, which is barely two months old. After eight years of abstinence, however, her aunt Venus would like to have an important say in the WTA final in Singapore. Angelique Kerber is missing this time.
The new fixed star in the Williams-Universe is still quite small. And at the moment he prefers to look around asleep. Alexis Olympia Junior, the daughter of Superstar Serena Williams, who is barely two months old, is currently at the centre of the Florida tennis family, which is rich in titles.
Of course, the little one already has her own Instagram account – and curiously enough, more than 83,000 subscribers. Meanwhile, Mama Serena lets everyone know that even when she attends a Bruno Mars concert, she constantly has to think about her offspring at home.
Alexis’ aunt Venus Williams’ athletic mission is almost fading into the background at Ballyhoo around the baby. The 37-year-old would like to celebrate her strong season at the WTA finals, which will begin on Sunday in Singapore (up to 29. October) would prefer to be crowned with a title win. It would be her second coup at the unofficial World Cup of the best eight players after 2008.
For the first time in eight years, Venus Williams is back in the final round – in 2009 she lost the final against her younger sister Serena. And the grande dame, who stood in the Grand Slam finals of Wimbledon and Melbourne in 2017 and experienced her umpteenth tennis spring, is aggressive before the showdown at the sophisticated Sports Hub.
“No one gives you a great title. You have to get it,”said the seven-time Major Winner. And the oldest participant by far leaves no doubt that she is ready for the challenge. “I consider pressure a privilege and need it.”
Last year’s Singapore finalist Angelique Kerber and defending champion Dominika Cibulkova (Slovakia) did not qualify for the seven million dollar event. A German is nevertheless at the start in the Asian city-state: Anna-Lena Grönefeld (Nordhorn).
The 32-year-old, together with her Czech partner Kveta Peschke, qualified for the double competition of the WTA finals for the first time.”It took her long enough,” Grönefeld said with a smile to the SID at her premiere and said:”Of course I would like to play well and win matches, but I also want to enjoy it.
Venus Williams, who has been suffering from the autoimmune disease Sjögren’s syndrome for years, will have not only her niece Alexis Olympia Junior but also other well-known fans in her homeland “She is the way everyone wants to be. Venus is our leader,”said US Open winner Sloane Stephens (USA), who is not qualified for Singapore.
Alongside Williams, industry leader Simona Halep (Romania) and Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza are the favourites for the Billie Jean King trophy.