Tennis is a family sport. And even if the demands of the top level are unforgiving, several siblings have contributed to the history of the game with simultaneous activity. One of the doa is the Williams sisters.

There are no words to describe their careers. Between them, the Williams sisters have 30 Grand Slam singles titles – 23 for Serena, seven for Venus – 122 singles trophies and hundreds of weeks as world No 1. The Compton girls have even won 14 Slams and an Olympic doubles title together.

They have revolutionised tennis, accelerated the speed of the game. They are icons, inspiring many to take up tennis, like Frances Tiafoe. Not far from ending their careers – perhaps at the same time?

Serena and Venus will leave a huge mark. Their story, especially that of their father, who made this phenomenon possible, has just been made into a movie.

Some of the greatest athletes across the world have been paying homage to tennis great Serena Williams, who is headed to “retirement” after losing in the U.S. Open.

Amidst all the barriers and struggles, the relationship that steadied Serena and kept her grounded was her relationship with her sister Venus, less than two years older. The Williams family had five daughters and Serena was the youngest. The eldest sister, Yetunde Price, was killed in 2003 by stray gunfire.

Venus emerged on the tennis circuit before Serena and it wasn’t long before the two sisters began to dominate the courts.

Not only were the two young Black women with beads in their hair different than their white opponents, but their camaraderie was unmatched and set an incredible precedent in a sport that thrives on singular existence and competition. And what a match they were.