Williams Peer-less in Memphis

Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 25 February 2007 /

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Venus Williams has targeted a place in world's top 16 after easily beating Shahar Peer in the final of the Memphis International.

The 26-year-old has only just returned to action after a lengthy absence due to a wrist
injury, but she wasted little time in collecting her 34th career title with a 6-1 6-1 success over the Israeli top seed.

The comeback victory was Williams' first tournament win since claiming the 2005 Wimbledon title and completes a remarkable turnaround for the Williams siblings, after sister Serena returned to win the Australian Open in January when ranked 81st in the world.

The older Williams sister now looks set to enter the top 40 and is confident of being back amongst the world's best when the next Grand Slam arrives in the summer.

"My goal is definitely to be in the top 16 by the French Open," she said. "I have three or four more tournaments before then so I think it's pretty reachable.

"I am entered in Miami, Charleston, Warsaw, Istanbul and the French. I know my schedule pretty much up to Wimbledon and if I am healthy, I'll be there."

The two sisters have been written off over the past few years because of their inactivity and injury problems, but Venus feels it is better to let her racket do the talking.

She added: "I have nothing to prove and time and time again Serena I have come back from injury and come back just as good or better."

Watch out for the Williams sisters to be prominent in the Betfair markets over the next few months and, with Venus looking to peak for the French Open, another Grand Slam success for the talented family could well be on the cards.

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