Johannesburg, 05 November 2012: While Serena may have beaten her sister Venus in two sets (6-3; 6-4) in their first match played on SA turf, they both won the hearts of everyone at Ellis Park Indoor Arena (Sunday 04 November 2012). This latest win for Serena means she’s won 14 of the 25 games where they’ve gone head to head.
Wrapping up a whirlwind visit Serena tweeted last night –
The Williams Sisters were in the country this week to champion ‘Breaking the Mould’ (BTM), an initiative created by Octagon SA aimed specifically at acknowledging and recognizing women (of all ages) who have broken the mould whether at home, play, at work or in their communities. These are women who have risen above their own set of challenges and adversities to succeed and inspire millions of women of all ages across the globe.
The sisters’ whistle-stop visit to Johannesburg included a development clinic at the Arthur Ashe Academy in Soweto that was attended by 60 children aged between 8 and 16 years; a gala dinner on Saturday night where the great and the good of Gauteng gathered to applaud the sisters’ triumphs; and culminated in the sold-out exhibition match on Sunday afternoon.
This was the 25th time the sisters have gone head to head on the tennis court – Serena leading with her 14 wins. The BTM Venus vs Serena Williams Exhibition Match also broke the mould with a curtain raiser featuring Wheelchair Tennis SA and Tennis SA players with wheelchair- bound ‘ball kids’. Wheelchair Tennis SA through the Sports Trust, were the recipients of R100,000 raised at an auction of original tennis memorabilia kindly donated by the sisters, at the gala dinner.
“We felt it was appropriate that this important occasion should be marked by another mould breaking moment”, said Qondisa Ngwenya – or Q as he is known – Octagon’s MD and the mastermind behind the BTM initiative.
“We have created an initiative that will make a significant difference to our society – one that reaches people in all spheres – from sport to the arts – so that people can believe in realising their dreams when they set them … so that young people know they have role models who are willing to support them and encourage them; so that we can help catalyse greatness in individuals.”
The matches were broadcast live on SABC 3.
