Serena says sister's death affected play
By Dennis Passa (Agencies)
Updated: 2005-01-26 10:12

Her voice catching, Serena Williams spoke Tuesday at the Australian Open about how she and older sister Venus were affected by the shooting death of their half-sister Yetunde Price in September 2003.

Serena Williams of the United States, seventh seed, blows a kiss after defeating Amelie Mauresmo, of France, second seed, in their womens singles quarterfinals match on Rod Laver Arena at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2005. Williams won the match, 6-2, 6-2. [AP]

She said that loss and a series of injuries contributed to a mediocre-by-their-standards season in 2004.

"We have a very, very, very, very, very close family," Serena said. "To be in some situation that we've been placed in the past little over a year — it's not easy to come out and just perform at your best when you realize there are so many things that are so important."

She bristled when asked whether her and Venus' tennis skills are declining, and whether she needs to win this tournament to prove they aren't.

"I'm tired of not saying anything, but that's not fair," Serena snapped. "We've been practicing really hard. We've had some serious injuries."

She spoke after beating No. 2 Amelie Mauresmo 6-2, 6-2 to set up a semifinal showdown with Maria Sharapova, who upset Williams in last year's Wimbledon final.

The Williams sisters used to take turns at Nos. 1 and 2 in the rankings. But after Venus' abdominal tear and Serena's knee surgery in 2003, they fell out of the top 10. Serena was seeded seventh at the Australian Open, Venus eighth (she lost to Alicia Molik in the fourth round).

The siblings own a total of 10 major singles titles, but last season was the first since 1998 that neither won a Slam.

"I've had surgery, and after surgery I got to the finals of Wimbledon. I don't know too many people that have done that," Serena said.

"I don't have to win this tournament to prove anything. I know that I'm out here and I know that I'm one of the best players out here."

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