Their doubles title — their third at the Australian Open and eighth Grand Slam title as a combination — came at the expense of Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia and Japan’s Ai Sugiyama, who lost 6-3, 6-3 and had to dodge a number of stinging shots at the net, particularly from Venus.
“I just wouldn’t want to face them too much. They are ferocious,” Serena said of her sister’s shots. The sisters have faced each other in seven Grand Slam singles finals.
“She’s covering the whole net. At one point today, I literally stood back and she took care of everything.”
It was a good tuneup for Serena’s singles final Saturday, when she will face Russia’s Dinara Safina.
In Friday’s night match, top-ranked Rafael Nadal was playing fellow Spanish left-hander Fernando Verdasco in the second men’s semifinal. The winner will try to keep second-ranked Roger Federer, who beat Andy Roddick on Thursday, from tying Pete Sampras’ record of 14 major titles.
With the temperature topping 113 degrees in the late afternoon, the roof on Rod Laver Arena was closed when the tournament’s Extreme Heat Policy was again put in effect. It was opened later for the men’s match.
Some top players avoid doubles, worrying that the extra time on court might hamper their singles prospects. While they took a long time off from doubles as both dealt with injuries — resulting in them being seeded only 10th at Melbourne Park — the Williams sisters have gotten back together recently, winning Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal at Beijing last year.
“I have a great partner,” Serena said. “I don’t have to work too hard out there. Just hit some big serves. Venus hits some big serves. We put the ball away. Most of all, I love to play doubles. For me it’s great practice, great fun. If I’m really fit, then I like to go for the win in both events.”
Williams sisters take Aussie doubles title
Player Ratings: Catania 0-2 Inter
Valencia Always Go Out To Win - Unai Emery
