Venus Advance in the US Open

Venus Williams pumps her fist after defeating Roberta Vinci of Italy 6-4, 6-1 to advance at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, Monday Aug. 30, 2010. Photo by The Canadian Press / 30/8/2010

Serena and Venus could be near end of reign

NEW YORK (AFP) - Serena and Venus Williams dominated women's tennis with skillful shotmaking and flamboyant personalities, but injuries and improving rivals could be ending their reign as the US Open looms. Neither Williams sister has played in a tournament since Wimbledon and only third-seeded Venus will be in the field when the year's final Grand Slam tournament starts Monday on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts.
 
World number one Serena has withdrawn from more events than she has played this year, even though she boosted her Grand Slam singles title total to 13 by defending her Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns.