An annual women's tennis tournament in the Bay Area may have a new name and new location, but its star power remains the same.
The Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic at San Jose State University, previously known as the Bank of the West Classic at Stanford, will feature the legendary Williams sisters.
On Monday, big crowds gathered just to watch Venus and Serena Williams practice session. Serena has won the tournament three times, while Venus has won it twice. For Venus, the memories of the tournament go back 24 years to when it was played in Oakland.
"The tournament has so much history," Venus said. "This was my first professional event so each rendition of it has a special place in my heart because of that."
Venus was 14 back then and turned 38 last month. She has accomplished a lot since being a seven-time major champion. Venus is also currently ranked 14th in the world and finds her self seeded No. 3 this week.
"If you can't play, there is no room for you here," Venus said of the Mubadala Silicon Valley Classic. "You will be pushed out and beaten down. So I work hard, and I love it. I've still got some talent in my body to play this game."
Fellow American and defending champion Madison Keys drew inspiration from both Williams sisters.
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"I think they're both vital to the sport. They have both been through so much and the fact that they're out here and they still love it," Keys said. "They're still competitive (and) really inspiring. If I can even do half as much as they've done, then I'd be really, really proud of myself."
