There are some iconic rivalries in the tennis realm that have set the bar for the younger crop. One of them is none other than the rivalry between the Williams sisters. Despite being one of the biggest supporters of each other, the two sisters gave their best when they fought it out on the court. So, during the quarter-finals of the 2008 US Open, when Serena Williams sensed her victory over her elder sister Venus Williams, she could not help but feel vulnerable.

The duo has won 14 Grand Slam titles together in the doubles category. But one can not ignore their head-to-head record, which has been mainly in favor of Serena Williams.

Serena Williams on facing her ‘best friend’ in 2008

The 23-time Grand Slam champion has had some of the most iconic rivalries with multiple WTA players, including Maria Sharapova. However, her toughest competitor was her elder sister Venus Williams for two reasons. One, she pushed Serena to bring out her best. Second, she was her sister and best friend against whom competition was also emotionally taxing.

Similarly, when the two sisters had a face-off at the 2008 US Open quarter-finals, Serena vowed to keep her emotions aside. In an interview with the New York Times, she stated, “I try not to look at her because I might start feeling bad.” Knowing it is her sister on the other side of the court, the tennis star could not help but feel vulnerable.

She added, “I want the best for her. I love her so much. She’s my best friend.” Eventually, the younger sister won in straight sets, making her victory more bittersweet.

Over the span of 23 years, the duo has faced off 31 times out of which Serena Williams has reigned 19 times. Despite being sisters, the duo has always put their most competitive self against each other, showing their true professionalism on the court.

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However, it is not just Serena Williams who has had trouble facing her ‘best friend’ on the court. The ATP realm also faces this issue.

Andrey Rublev in facing Alexander Zverev 

Though not bonded by blood, the Russian player Andrey Rublev and German player Alexander Zverev are bonded by their long-standing friendship.

The duo started playing tennis together when they were 12. So, when Rublev won against Zverev in the quarter-finals of the Swedish Open, he could not help but feel like “s**t” about his victory.

Can you think of other duo who have hated playing against each other because of their friendship? Let us know in the comments below.

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