Serena, Osaka pay homage to Venus

Naomi Osaka said Venus Williams had an “aura” and Serena hailed her ageless sister as “such an inspiration” after the 40-year-old powered into the Australian Open second round Monday.

Williams, who played her first Australian Open in 1998, battled past fellow veteran Kirsten Flipkens 7-5, 6-2 on Margaret Court Arena in her 88th Grand Slam to ensure she lived to fight another day.

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World No 3 Osaka, who also comfortably won, said the seven-time Grand Slam winner had long been a hero and she was amazed at her longevity.