They were
once tennis' inseparable golden girls but siblings Venus and Serena
Williams' formerly close relationship is reportedly under strain.
The
tennis champions, who have won three Olympic golds together, have not
been seen together off court in recent weeks and there has been
speculation as to whether Serena's constant partying is to blame.
According to the New York Post,
the world number one's late nights and recent disappointing doubles
performances have irritated her older sister - who is known for her more
laid-back lifestyle.
Family tension: Sisters Venus and Serena Williams' formerly close relationship is said to be under strain
The
website alleged that an insider was overheard during the US Open saying
'They’re not in a good place right now. Venus is angry with Serena,'
because of her active social life off the court.
And on Tuesday, Venus, 34, was noticeably absent when Serena debuted her HSN clothing line at New York Fashion Week.
The
32-year-old showed she's not only a top athlete but a budding fixture
in the fashion world as she walked the runway to launch her Spring
fashion line.
Party time: Serena partied with her tennis
rival and close pal Caroline Wozniacki on Monday night but there was no
sign of Venus
The
catwalk excursion comes just days after she won her sixth US Open over
Caroline Wozniacki, who also attended the fashion show.
But
while Serena has enjoyed individual success, the sisters lost in the US
women's doubles quarterfinals - just months after they had to pull out
at Wimbledon when Serena complained of a mysterious illness.
The
sisters, who are known to post photos of each other on social media
site Instagram, have recently stopped sharing the family pictures. The
last photo of Venus on Serena's feed was in June, while Serena was last
seen on Venus' feed two months ago.
Where's the love? The world number one's late
nights and recent disappointing doubles performances have irritated her
older sister Venus, according to the New York Post
Venus’
rep, Lisa Sorensen, told the New York Post's Page Six that Venus was
not with Serena after the US Open because she went directly to Canada to
prepare for the Quebec City WTA Open.
She
denied any rift and said: 'I am very surprised by these accusations.
They are completely false. Venus and Serena always have been and
continue to be close and supportive of one another.'
Serena’s
rep, Kelly Bush Novak, also denied any bad blood between the sisters,
and called the story an 'absolute lie and reckless . . . They continue
to be each other’s biggest fans and a beacon of support for each other.
There is no change in their very close and special relationship.'
Party lifestyle: Serena partied with Gigi Hadid, Caroline and Joe Jonas in New York after her US Open win
Meanwhile, it is not just Serena's relationship with her sister which is allegedly suffering thanks to her social life.
The
tennis star pulled out of a number of TV interviews on Monday after
spending Sunday night partying with pals including Wozniacki, Gigi Hadid
and Joe Jonas.
Serena
was booked to appear on NBC’s Today and ABC’s Good Morning America and
Live With Kelly and Michael with her US Open trophy but cancelled
because she was 'too tired', according to the New York Post's Page Six.
Sport stars: The two famous sisters at the US Open Tennis Championships in 2013
