It was the 2001 US Open final. Serena Williams was up against her sister, Venus Williams, in the summit clash, looking to win her second major title. It was a historic encounter of sorts, being the first Grand Slam final to be shown in prime time. Moreover, there were some notable attendees at that match, with tennis legend Billie Jean King and the family members of the Williams sisters watching from close range alongside 23,000 spectators. Eventually, it was the elder Williams sister who took home the title. Even as they played in several other major finals after, the Williams sisters followed a bizarre tradition of not inviting anyone to their matches.

Recently, the first episode of the Stockton Street podcast was released, featuring Venus and Serena Williams sitting down to discuss some of the most memorable moments of their lives, both on and off the court. During that conversation, they explained why they never invite anyone to watch their matches.

Serena Williams went on to say, “We played in the finals of the 2001 US Open, and I was so worried about who’s coming and the tickets and who’s going to sit in the box and who’s going to sit where.” Subsequently, her sister replied, “I didn’t invite anyone. Actually, I never invite anyone. You can always come, but I am doing me, you can’t let anything come your way because it is so much work to stay prepared, there’s so much work behind the scenes during the tournament, so you don’t get in there, so I don’t invite anyone.”

Coincidentally, Serena and Venus Williams’ matches often see famous personalities in attendance. Hollywood stars like Hugh Jackman, politicians like Bill Clinton, and other renowned personalities, such as Bill Gates, have often watched their matches. Nonetheless, their sole focus is on the court and on the task at hand, i.e., defeating their opponents. However, at the 2001 US Open final, while Serena Williams was busy inviting and preparing the guest list, her sister was focused on the match, which made the difference in the final.

Nonetheless, Venus Williams had some encouraging words for her sister after defeating her in that match. Recently, Serena revealed what her sister said on the net after that encounter.

Venus Williams wanted to protect Serena Williams

Back then, Serena was just 19 years old and still establishing herself on the tennis circuit. On the other hand, Venus had already won three Grand Slam titles and looked like a player to beat on the women’s tour. Even in her win over Serena, Venus had a concern to protect her younger sister. During an interview, the younger Williams sister revealed what really happened at the net following the 2001 US Open final.

Serena said, “She said she didn’t feel like she really won because she always wanted to, you know, kind of protect me. I told her, ‘Well, you won. Take it. You know, it’s your win. It’s your victory. If I would have won, I won. You won, you need it. It’s yours. Don’t feel that way because, honestly, there’s not enough time in one’s life. Time happens so fast.’ I just told her, you know, ‘It’s yours. You won it’.”

It was the first of the many Grand Slam finals between the two sisters. While they had a solid rivalry on the court, the two were always sisters before opponents, as seen from their close-knit bonding on and off the court.