Venus Williams calls Serena 'the best competitor in the game'

MELBOURNE, Australia—Venus Williams, who will face off with her sister, Serena, in the final of the Australian Open on Saturday night, believes that their ninth Grand Slam final will be extremely intense.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion has a 16-11 record against Venus, and has beaten her in their last four Grand Slam matches. Prior to that, Venus—who has seven major championships of her own—beat Serena in the final of Wimbledon in 2008, the last time Venus has won a major.

These two have put together some classics over the years, including the 2003 Australian Open final, when Serena overcame Venus, 7-6 (4), 3-6, 6-4.

Venus still remembers that match well.

“It was so intense,” the 36-year-old said. “I just couldn't climb on top [of] her that day. She was so good. It was wonderful.”

Venus, who came into this tournament ranked 17th, believes that her sister is the best player in the world.

“When I'm playing on the court with her, I think I'm playing the best competitor in the game,” she said. “I don't think I'm chump change, either. I can compete against any odds. No matter what, I get out there and I compete. So, it's like two players who really, really can compete—then, also, they can play tennis. Then, OK, [it] won't be an easy match. It's like, I know that it won't be easy.

"You have to control yourself, then you also have to hopefully put your opponent in a box. This opponent is your sister, and she's super awesome. It's wonderful.”