Do you remember the nerve-wracking Australian Open 2017 finals between Serena and Venus Williams? While it was Venus’ second defeat against her baby sister in the Melbourne final, the match attracted much spotlight as Serena Williams won her life’s 23rd Grand Slam while pregnant. Seven years after that event, the Queen of the Court appears on the ESPYS stage as a host and reminisces the moment with an emotional note. Taking a different turn from her baby sister’s comment, sassy Venus found a hilarious way to show she is not over that loss.

Venus became a motivating presence at the ESPYs for her baby sister Serena Williams, as the latter was the host. When the 23-time Grand Slam champion took a dig at her Australian Open win in 2017, saying, “I won with my daughter in my belly”, her elder sister quickly quipped, “That was 2v1 that wasn’t fair.” 

Serena Williams not only won a slam that year but shook the world with her triumph. While the suggestion is to avoid heavy physical exertion, a pregnant Serena won a major in a feat that will not be repeated anytime soon. To manage such a task, Meka needed an idol, and she found one right by her side.

“She’s the only reason I’m standing here today, and the only reason that the Williams sisters exist. So thank you, Venus, for inspiring me to be the best player I could be and inspiring me to work hard. Every time you won this week, I felt like I’ve got to win, too,” said Serena Williams post-victory.

While the younger Williams sister was grateful for playing against a competitive star like her elder sister, Venus herself didn’t like the result much. Following the recent banter with her sister, it seemed like the result had been transformed into a healthy joke between the talented tennis sisters. Despite that, the 7-time Grand Slam champion revealed being displeased as she lost to her baby sister in the Australian Open finals.

Venus Williams does not “like losing altogether,” even if her opponent is Serena Williams

Serena Williams’ elder sister might joke with the former at the ESPYS event at Dolby Theatre, but she abhors the feeling of losing a match. “I don’t like losing altogether, so if it was Serena or any other player. It’s just never fun. I’m never going to the finals, saying, “Yes, I’m losing today.” I’m going with the attitude I’m going to go out there, do my best, and try to take the title. That’s definitely my attitude going on to the court every time, is positive,” she said.

Venus Williams’ revelations expressed that she is a competitive player. No matter how close she is to her sister, Serena Williams, on-court, they invest their heart and soul to bring out their best and win the match. Since winning and losing is a part of the game, it feels amazing to see how competition couldn’t break their bond.

The Williams sisters’ adorable banter at the ESPYs Awards shows how the two can manage to keep their on-court rivalry on the court. Their fun conversation also helped everyone to understand how that epic Australian Open 2017 final has been one of the Williams sisters’ inside jokes despite Venus losing one of her last opportunities to win a slam.