The 30th instalment of the Williams sisters’ rivalry at the US Open has proven to be a box office hit, according to the Nielsen ratings.
On Friday night Serena’s 6-1, 6-2, triumph over sister Venus attracted an overnight rating of 1.8 (million) for the match. Furthermore, the two-hour telecast scored a 1.5 (million) rating in the metered markets. To put the figures into perspective, the telecast was double the equivalent 12 months ago (0.7).
ESPN has confirmed that the clash between the two is the most watched early round match (third round or before) in their history of broadcasting the US Open to an American audience. The sports television channel has produced 123 telecasts since 2009. This year the tournament is streaming 130 hours of live action from the US Open on TV and roughly 1300 hours online.
The record figures have once again highlighted the popularity of the two players, who have won more prize money on the tour than any other female player. According to Forbes, Serena was the highest paid female athlete in the world between June 2017 – June 2018. Meanwhile, Venus has a net worth value of $95 million. Roughly half of what her sister is worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Serena’s latest triumph has been hailed by Venus as one of her best performances yet on the tour. The 36-year-old is bidding to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles. She hasn’t won a major since giving birth to her daughter, last triumphing at the 2016 Australian Open.
“I think it’s the best match she’s ever played against me. I don’t think I did a lot wrong. But she just did everything right. Obviously that level is definitely where she’s going to want to stay during this whole tournament.” Venus commented about Serena.
“She didn’t win that match tonight because I just rolled over. She played untouchable tennis.”
At the US Open, Serena will play Kaia Kanepi in the last 16. Kanepi knocked out top seed Simona Halep on the first day of the tournament.
