Williams Sisters Win Aussie Doubles Crown

Beat Hantichova and Sugiyama 6-3, 6-3
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jan 30, 2009 6:54 AM CST
Williams Sisters Win Aussie Doubles Crown
Serena Williams, left, and her sister Venus attempt to return the same ball to Ai Sugiyama and Daniela Hantuchova during the Women's Doubles final at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Jan. 30, 2009.    (Mark Baker)

Serena and Venus Williams won their eighth Grand Slam women's doubles title today, beating Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia and Japan's Ai Sugiyama 6-3, 6-3 in the Australian Open final. The Williams sisters, seeded 10th, were untroubled as they served out the first set in just 38 minutes on center court. The temperature topped 113 degrees and the arena’s roof was closed because of the heat.

The second set proved more difficult as the pairs exchanged breaks six times in nine games before the Williams' powerful returns and superior movement around the court proved the deciding factor. "We played a great team today. They were very tough," Venus said. "At the end there I think we just maybe wanted it a little more. I think we complement each other on the court because we're both extremely positive.” (More tennis stories.)

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