Milan, Dec 03: The Williams sisters will aim to defend their Olympic doubles title in London next summer.
Serena Williams said Friday that she and sister Venus are eager to go for their third Olympic gold together, after triumphing in Sydney and Beijing.
"We're the defending champion and we want to defend our title and I don't see why we wouldn't," Serena said, ahead of the sisters' exhibition match in Milan on Saturday against Italian duo Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta. "This is a good preview to the Olympics, we both want to play. So this is a great, great time for us, so exciting."
The sisters were unable to defend their title in Athens 2004 after Serena injured her knee.
Venus also won the singles gold medal in Sydney. However, the five-time Wimbledon champion's ranking has fallen to No. 104 because of injuries, while Serena is ranked 12th.
Venus has played just once since pulling out of the U.S. Open three months ago because of an immune system disease. She beat Serena 6-4, 7-6 (5) in an exhibition match in Colombia last week.
Venus has changed her diet to include more vegetables after being diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, which can cause fatigue and joint pain.
"I'm eating different things and that's helping." Venus said. "I need to try and be stronger for next year. This is a good start for me. It'll show me where I'm at physically.
"The goal is to come back in Australia. I'm taking each day at a time. When I feel good I feel really happy. Today I feel really good so it's a great day."
Serena has also had her share of injury problems and missed almost a year before returning shortly before Wimbledon. She fell to No. 175 but has managed to push herself back up the rankings.
"I told myself I wanted to end the year in the Top 20," Serena said. "But I didn't think I would. So I'm really happy now."
Serena has also played just once since losing to Samantha Stosur in the U.S. Open final in September.
"I was tired after the Open and didn't want to go to Asia," she said, before bursting into laughter and correcting herself. "Well no, I was injured."
