Venus and Serena Williams both began their comebacks from lengthy layoffs with double-faults in their opening round matches at the AEGON International in Eastbourne, England. Venus, who’s been out for five months, had two in a row. Serena, who hasn’t played since last July, lost her first five games.
Both needed three sets to win. But should either be counted out when Wimbledon begins next week? No way.
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No matter how long the Williams sisters have been away, they’ve still won nine of the last 11 titles at the tournament they love the most — and the one best suited to their punishing serves and groundstrokes.
The oddsmakers at William Hill certainly don’t doubt that the sisters are still capable of winning, with Serena at 4-to-1 odds and Venus at 8-to-1. At 7-to-2, Maria Sharapova is the favorite. But with 11 of the past 12 Wimbledon women’s finals having at least one Williams sister, there’s little reason to believe they won’t have a big role this year, too.
