NEW YORK -- There's a new brother in the Williams sisters family.
Last fall, a 70-year-old Richard Williams (now 71) had a new son with then 33-year-old wife Lakeisha. On Monday, after beating No. 12 seed Kirsten Flipkens at the U.S. Open, Venus Williams spoke about her new half brother.
"He's a pretty cute little guy," Venus said. "He's massive. I'm sure he will be nice and tall."
As for whether Dylan will become a player, Venus expressed hesitation. After her dad coached sister Serena and herself, Venus is unsure whether or not Richard would be able to put in the effort.
"I think my dad is tired of tennis, so if someone teaches him, it will probably be up to Serena and I and the rest of our sisters to, I guess, get him on the court," said.
Venus is a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Olympic singles gold medalist and former world No. 1. Serena is a 16-time Grand Slam winner, Olympic singles gold medalist and the current world No. 1. The sisters have 13 Grand Slam titles and three Olympic gold medals in doubles.
Richard put in the time to build his daughters into two of the greatest players to ever play the sport. Venus still scratches her head when she thinks about the sacrifices her parents made.
"Looking back at all the number of hours and the dedication both my parents put in, I don't know how they did that," she said. "I don't know if he's ready to do that again. I have to put it on my shoulders."
Richard and Oracene Price (Venus and Serena's mother) divorced in 2002. Venus is just one year younger than Lakeisha.
Venus spoke of family when the topic of Althea Gibson was brought up. This month, the United States Postal Service issues a postage stamp in honor of the African-American tennis pioneer. When was asked what image of herself she would like on a stamp, she circled back to her sister.
"I would probably prefer a Venus and Serena stamp," she said. "If we ever reach that pinnacle, that would be great. I'd rather do it with her."
As for the specific image, Venus said her choice would be an image from the moment they won the Olympics.
Venus will play Jie Zheng of China in the second round Wednesday.
