INDIAN WELLS—The Williams sisters will square off for the 28th time in the Indian Wells third-round within driving distance of their first-ever match.
The match comes 20 years after their first professional clash at the 1998 Australian Open and a full 27 years after met in their first-ever tournament meeting as juniors "somewhere in Compton."
More: Venus to Face Serena
While Serena lost both of those matches, she still walked away a winner thanks to Venus.
"(Our first meeting) was in juniors. I think I was, like, 8. She was 10," Serena said. "That was the first time we played. She beat me, beat me good. But she was really nice."
Despite the defeat it was a rewarding experience for younger sister.
"Yeah, she gave me the trophy because I was so upset," Serena said. "I have always been a sore loser, but she's been really amazing. I can really learn from her.
"Obviously the first time professionally was at Australia? I think?" Serena said of Venus' 7-6 (4), 6-1 triumph at the 1998 Australian Open. "And I thought I played well. I remember, you know, playing well in the first set and not doing so well in the second. Overall, I think I played really well. We have so many great memories.
"My favorite match against her? I don't think I have a favorite match. I definitely don't have a favorite match. I really abhor every time we play, but I do enjoy the battle when I'm out there. It's just afterwards I don't like it as much."
Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Coorleve