Serena prepares for singles by winning doubles crown

Serena Williams has been sharpening up for her singles final against Dinara Safina with a winning doubles run alongside sister Venus at the Australian Open.

Serena prepares for singles by winning doubles crown

ONE DOWN, ONE TO GO: Serena Williams (left) and sister Venus with the Australian Open doubles trophy they won yesterday. PIC/AP

Rather than focusing on the women's showpiece finale like Safina, who opts not to play doubles, Williams was racking up her eighth grand slam doubles title with her sister as they defeated Daniela Hantuchova and Ai Sugiyama in straight sets.

"(Playing doubles) definitely helps my singles," Williams declared after the 6-3 6-3 victory.

Great partner
"I have a great partner. I don't have to work too hard out there, just hit some big serves. Venus hits some big serves. We put the ball away.

"Most of all, I love to play doubles. For me it's great practice, great fun. If I'm really fit then I like to win both events."

Having bagged the first half of her double yesterday, Safina stands in her way of a fourth Australian Open title and a 10th Grand Slam singles title. Williams has won every other year in Melbourne since 2003 so the odds are looking good for that streak to continue.

The 27-year-old American seemed supremely relaxed about reaching the double-figure milestone, joking that if she does win: "I'm sure that people that have 10-plus Grand Slams get special letters. I'll be part of a really elite club. I desperately want to win, and Safina does, too. I feel like whether I get 10 today or whenever, it's gonna happen sooner or later."

Williams will be playing in her 13th grand slam final, compared to Safina who only has a final appearance at the French Open, where she lost to Ana Ivanovic.

Idols at home
Both admit to idolising and being inspired by elder siblings.

In Safina's case she would love to follow in elder brother Marat Safin's shoes and add another Australian Open trophy following Safin's 2005 triumph and repeat his feat of reaching number one in the world.

"It would be amazing to have the same trophy as my brother. A dream come true," enthused Safina, who will become the top-ranked women's player should she win tonight.

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