Tennis: Draw keeps Willams sisters apart

NEW YORK: Wimbledon champion Serena Williams and her sister Venus have been separated in the draw for the Aegon International Championships at Eastbourne. The siblings, making a comeback after a long absence, can only meet in the final of the event, which starts today. While Serena will take on Bulgaria’s Tsvetana Pironkova in the first round, Venus is set to face Andrea Petkovic of Germany. Eighth-seeded Petkovic was Venus’ opponent when she retired with a hip injury from January’s Australian Open. Since the injury, the winner of seven grand slam singles titles has dropped to 32 in the world rankings. Meanwhile, Serena, who was out of action since regaining the Wimbledon crown a year ago, needed a wildcard to feature at Eastbourne.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2011.