Williams sisters prepping for Aussie with wins

The resurgence of the Williams sisters in 2007 wasn’t a fluke. Venus Williams claimed a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Maria Sharapova to win the JB Group Classic exhibition in Hong Kong. Maybe Sharapova wasn’t playing so well…or maybe Venus was just that good.

Serena Williams and Mardy Fish won the Hopman Cup, bring the United States’ total to four victories in six years at the event. While Serena was delayed in her appearance at the Hopman Cup and Jelena Jankovic had to withdraw from their singles match in the finals due to a thigh injury, Serena says she is raring to go.

“I feel like I am really match fit and ready. It is nine days until the tournament starts and I will be ready.”

After winning last year’s Australian Open at 86th in the world, Serena will attempt to defend that title from a new vantage point: No. 7 in the world. Maybe that isn’t as significant for the former No. 1 as it is for the rest of us who recognize that as one heck of a jump in the standings.

Either way, the fact that the Williams sisters look like they are on top of their games only spells trouble for the rest of the women’s tour. Will the big-serving sisters muscle their way to the top? There’s not a doubt in my mind that they have the ability and can do it. But it’s all a matter of the people standing in the way. Namely a petite Belgian.

Oh it’s gonna be fun. I can hardly wait!