The 1997 US Open Semi-Final match between Irina Spirlea and tennis phenom Venus Williams is known more for the veteran Spirlea bumping the upstart than being the match that advanced Venus to her first Grand Slam final appearance.

In this year’s open, Spirlea is taking on Venus’ baby sister Serena.  Serena wears just as many beads in her conrows, but she has the advantage of broader shoulders and more-defined biceps & triceps.  Hmmm…If I were Spirlea, I wouldn’t try that bumping bit with baby sis…just saying :-D! M

September 1998