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Williams sisters play back-to-back in Ashe at rainy US Open

Serena Williams, of the United States, waves after defeating Ekaterina Makarova, of Russia, 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Serena Williams, of the United States, waves after defeating Ekaterina Makarova, of Russia, 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) Serena Williams, of the United States, waves after defeating Ekaterina Makarova, of Russia, 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the U.S. Open tennis tournament, Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

By Associated Press 1 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – Venus and Serena Williams are set to play back-to-back, second-round matches Thursday in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which may need its new retractable roof for much of the day because light rain is falling and more is expected.

No. 6-seeded Venus Williams will take on Julia Goerges of Germany in the afternoon, followed by No. 1 Serena Williams against Vania King in an all-American matchup to start the night session.

Another key match comes in the nightcap on Ashe, when 2009 champion Juan Martin del Potro takes on 19th-seeded American Steve Johnson. Del Potro, whose ranking dropped to No. 142 because of wrist injuries over the past 2 ½ years, has returned to Grand Slam play this year and made a strong run to the silver medal at the Olympics.

The Wimbledon champ and Olympic gold medalist, No. 2-seeded Andy Murray, is also in action on Ashe, facing Marcel Granollers. They’ve played seven previous times, with Murray winning six.