Prior to Thursday's second round encounter, the sisters had clashed 30 times on the WTA Tour. However, it was the younger Williams sister who emerged victorious, staving off a spirited attempt from Venus to advance to the quarterfinals in Lexington.

"I've lost a few tight sets lately, so I was telling myself I really wanted to win this one and try to focus on those last two games," Serena said in her on-court interview.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion overcame a set deficit to defeat her sister for the 19th time, taking the match in two hours and 19 minutes. The only downside to the exhilarating match was the lack of a live crowd, a necessary sacrifice due to the ongoing pandemic.

"I'm super relaxed," Serena stated. "Having no crowd sort of makes things more relaxing. I've practiced in louder places than this court!"

Although Venus took a 4-2 lead in the final set, Serena displayed her championship grit by breaking back twice before serving out the match 3-6 6-3 6-4.

"I honestly didn't come here to win," Serena revealed. "For the first time in my career, I came here to win some matches and see what happens. I haven't had this much time off since the baby, so now I'm just trying to get some rhythm and see what happens."

The former World No.1 next faces countrywoman Shelby Rogers for a spot in the semifinals. Rogers defeated Canadian teenager Leylah Anne Fernandez to secure her quarterfinal berth.

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