Serena Williams Win Doubles Exhibition In Milan

Serena Williams and her sister Venus Williams exacted revenge against Italian players Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta during their doubles exhibition matches in Milan, Italy. Schiavone ousted Venus 7-5, 7-3 in their singles match while it took much more effort and time to defeat Serena 7-3, 8-10, 8-6. Schiavone is known for her comeback wins!

Serena had better luck defeating Pennetta 6-8, 7-3, 7-3 but older sister Venus lost to Pennetta 7-6, 7-2. While Venus’ match didn’t appear that exciting judging by the score, a near wardrobe malfunction courtesy of Venus made up for it. During her match with Pennetta, Venus’ Eleven design dress strap broke forcing the tennis star to rush off court for a wardrobe change. Remaining in good spirits, Venus brought out popcorn to share with Flavia.

The Williams sisters had better luck in the doubles against Schiavone and Penetta winning in a hard fought match, 3-7, 8-6, 8-6.

Venus is on a comeback trial after pulling out of the US Open three months ago when she revealed her battle with Sjogrens Syndrome, an autoimmune disease.

  

Venus Williams revealed today that she’s battling the autoimmune disease Sjogrens Syndrome. Heading into the second round at the US Open after a straight set win on Monday, Venus was forced to retire due to illness on Tuesday. Williams released a statement following the match,

“I’m really disappointed to have to withdraw from this year’s U.S. Open.  I have been recently diagnosed with Sjögren’s Syndrome, an autoimmune disease which is an ongoing medical condition that affects my energy level and causes fatigue and joint pain.

She continued, “I enjoyed playing my first match here and wish I could continue but right now I am unable to. I am thankful I finally have a diagnosis and am now focused on getting better and returning to the court soon.”

Many are now wondering just what is Sjogren’s Syndrome. According to the foundation’s website, it’s “a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person’s white blood cells attack the moisture-producing glands. Today, as many as 4 million Americans are living with this disease.”

Venus also defeated Serena last month in an exhibition match in Colombia