Williams sisters win gold in Olympic doubles

Serena Williams won her second 2012 Olympic gold medal today when she and sister Venus defeated Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka 6-4, 6-4 in the doubles final. This was the third Olympic gold medal the Williams sisters have won in doubles. Unseeded in London, they beat three seeded teams, and they never dropped a set throughout the event. The sisters' serve was broken only twice in the tournament, with both breaks coming from the German team of Angelique Kerber and Sabine Lisicki in the second round.

The bronze medal went to the Russian team of Maria Kirilenko and Nadia Petrova, who defeated Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. Huber sustained an injury during the match, but--after receiving treatment--continued to play.

It seems to me that ever since Petrova began playing with Kirilenko, she has cut out so many of the unforced errors that used to plague her doubles game.

Winning gold in mixed doubles were Victoria Azarenka and Max Mirnyi, who defeated Laura Robson and Andy Murray 2-6, 6-3, 10-8. It was an enjoyable match, with all four players providing some excitement for spectators. Both women served vey well. Later in the match, however, it was Azarenka who raised her overall game, while Robson appeared to be affected a bit by the pressure.

Earlier in the day, Murray won the gold medal in singles when he defeated Roger Federer in straight sets. Azarenka leaves the Games with the gold medal she won today, and with the bronze she won in singles. Not bad.

Taking the bronze medal in mixed doubles were Lisa Raymond and Mike Bryan. They defeated Sabine Lisicki and Christopher Kas 6-3, 4-6, 10-4.