Family affair as Serena, Venus set up Rome rematch

Serena Williams will take on sister Venus in the second round of the Italian Open more than two decades after they last met on the red clay of Rome after both advanced in different styles.

Four-time Rome winner Serena, 37, returned after two months out injured easing through 6-4, 6-2 against Swedish qualifier Rebecca Petersen.

But 38-year-old Venus, whose only Rome title came back in 1999, needed over three hours to battle past Belgian Elise Mertens 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7/4).

Serena has not played since a hard-fought three-set win also over Petersen in the second round at the Miami Open in March before withdrawing with a knee injury.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner -- now ranked 11th -- also withdrew from Indian Wells in March complaining of illness.

Watched by her husband Alexis Ohanian, Williams sealed victory on her second match point against her 64th-ranked opponent after 76 minutes on court.

"I felt good, I wasn't sure how it was going to feel," said Williams.

"It's been a while, I haven't played a ton of matches this year, not by choice, just by force.

"I really, really, actually desperately wanted to be on the tour and to be playing, but it hasn't been able to work out.

"It felt good to finally be back out. Hopefully I'll be able to keep it up."
"It was a nightmare. But it worked and it paid off. I feel like I'm taking it one day at a time."
- Fierce sibling rivalry -
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"It was really cool to share my favourite city with her, some of my favourite things to see. Obviously the pasta and the food."
"I just smile and take pictures. I don't mind so much."