Venus and Serena Williams ready for tennis after Africa tour

Serena Williams works with children during a clinic at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre in the South African township of Soweto on Saturday.

By Dan Loumena

Nov. 3, 2012 12 AM PT

Their whirlwind tour of Africa is foremost on the minds of superstar sisters Venus and Serena Williams. Tennis, of course, is never far from their thoughts.

After spending three days in Nigeria, the siblings arrived in South Africa on Saturday and admitted they’re already focusing on the upcoming season.

“I’m already thinking of the Australian Open,” Serena said of the first major that will be played in January. “I’m constantly thinking of Grand Slams.”

The sisters are in Africa on a “Break the Mold” tour, during which they have been speaking to girls about making better lives for themselves.

“We’re here to empower young girls and let them know that if you dare to dream you can achieve any goal you want to,” Serena said during a news conference earlier in the week.

The two arrived in Johannesburg after a two-hour flight delay and their first stop was the township of Soweto, where they gave some tennis tips to young players at the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre.

“It’s so great to be in South Africa,” Venus said. “It’s an honor to be here.”

At a news conference, talk eventually turned to tennis. Serena was adamant about her goal to win more majors and return to No. 1 in the world rankings.

“I’m not thinking about that so much,” said Serena, currently No. 3, of a top ranking. “For me, I’d rather have Grand Slams and victories. I’ve been No. 1 before and believe me, I’ll be No. 1 again. It’s just a matter of time.”
Wire service and Internet reports contributed to this story.

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