Venus and Serena Williams win U.S. doubles crown

By Steve Ginsburg

NEW YORK, Sept 14 (Reuters) - Venus and Serena Williams won the U.S. Open women’s doubles crown Monday with a dominating 6-2 6-2 victory over top seeds Cara Black and Liezel Huber.

The Williams sisters never lost serve in the 89-minute match in winning their second Open doubles title, and third grand slam crown of the year after doubles triumphs at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

They will share a winner’s prize of $420,000.

“I have a great partner. I believe in her just as much as I believe in myself,” Venus said in a courtside interview. “There’s nothing like having that on the court.”

Black, from Zimbabwe, and her American partner played three three-set matches en route to the final.

“We had great opponents today,” said Venus. “Liezel and Cara, they played so well, survived so many close matches to get here. And they truly are the number one, day in and out on the tour.”

Serena was playing one day after being fined $10,000 for an expletive-laced rant at a lineswoman, and another $500 for racket abuse during her semi-final singles match against Kim Clijsters on Saturday.

She released a statement Monday apologizing for her tirade but declined to discuss the issue when addressing the crowd following the doubles victory.

(Editing by Larry Fine; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)