Venus vs. Serena Wimbledon Finals: Prediction/Preview

Head to Head Series Tied 10-10
Previous Meetings
1998 Australian Open: Venus 7-6, 6-1
1998 Italian Open: Venus 6-4, 6-2
1999 Grand Slam Cup: Serena 6-1, 3-6, 6-3
1999 Miami: Venus 6-1, 4-6, 6-4
2000 Wimbledon: Venus 6-2, 7-6
2001 US Open: Venus 6-4, 6-2
2002 Miami: Serena 6-2, 6-2
2002 French Open: Serena 7-5, 6-3
2002 Wimbledon: Serena 7-6, 6-3
2002 US Open: Serena 6-4, 6-3
2003 Wimbledon: Serena 4-6, 6-4, 6-2
2003 Australian Open: Serena 7-6, 3-6, 6-4
2005 Miami: Venus 6-1, 7-6
2005 US Open: Venus 6-2, 7-6
2008 Bangalore: Serena 6-3, 3-6, 7-6
2008 Wimbledon: Venus 7-5, 6-4
2008 US Open: Serena 7-6, 7-6
2008 Tour Championships: Venus 5-7, 6-1, 6-0
2009 Miami: Serena 6-4, 4-6, 6-3
2009: Dubai: Venus 6-1, 2-6, 7-6

As you can see from their head to head series in the past couple of years the matches between the sisters have gotten much more competitive. I think this is due to the fact that they are more mature and can handle the situation better. After tomorrow the Williams Sisters will have 18 Grand Slam titles between the two of them, that will equal the number of Grand Slams won by Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. Individually they are two of the greatest players of all time. Unfortunately for three years starting really at the end of '03 the Williams sisters took a little hiatus. They were able to win two slams in 2005, but in 2004 and 2006 they went slamless. This is when they were in their early to mid 20s which could have been the prime of their careers. I'm not accusing them of being too interested in other things like everybody else. I think the death of their sister Yetunde Price and various injuries forced them away from the game, but essentially I think that during this period they could of won many more slams.

Their match last year in the US Open quarterfinals was a classic. Unfortunately it was a quarterfinal. Regardless of who wins I want to see a match that will allow people to remember the Williams' sisters for their greatness. Venus is 29 and Serena will be turning 28 later in the year. Neither of them has mentioned retiring, and honestly they both look so athletic still that I can realistically see them playing for five or more years.

But looking forwards to tommorow's final Venus should be considered the slight favorite, because she has been the best player of the decade on grass, and she had the easier semifinal.

Finally to everybody who complains about All-Williams' finals. Don't complain!!! At least no player will be having a mental breakdown before the coin toss. (ie. Nearly every other womens player at the top of the game today less Sharapova)

Prediction: VENUS IN A THREE SET THRILLER