Classic Near Misses: Venus Williams at 2008 U.S. Open 2
In the 2008 U.S. Open, Venus couldn't capitalize on 10 set point opportunities in losing to eventually Champion Serena in the Quarterfinals.
There’s a certain commercial for the 2009 US Open—one where Serena Williams has two dolls in her lap.
“I’m gonna beat you, Venus,” Serena says, marching one doll over her knee into the other one’s face.
“No, you not,” replies the second doll in an elevated, falsetto voice.
Near Misses: the canvas on which is painted ugly, bitter things, the scope of which contains hidden beauty that lingers in the mind like the aftertaste of a fine, aged Scotch.
The subject of this series is not the winner, but the so-called “loser,” the one whose exit is at first bitter and burning like the first note of a 30-year-old Glenmorangie, but for whom the second note is sweet, nuanced, and lasting, just like said 30-year-old Scotch.
Richard Williams, their notorious, old father and coach, announced, when Venus won her first title, that his two daughter’s would ultimately find that their greatest rival would be each other.
