Williams sisters to visit Ghana

Wimbledon - The formidable Williams sisters, Serena (21) and Venus (23), are on their way to South Africa.

Speaking at a media conference on Tuesday afternoon, the defending Wimbledon champion, Serena, confirmed that she and Venus were intent on promoting the game on the African continent.

When asked which African countries would be involved, she said: "Well, South Africa, of course. We hope to travel to Ghana and maybe the Ivory Coast, too. There are so many countries to reach out to," said Serena, who won $4 million in prize money last year. Venus won $2,5 million.

Serena said they were finalising arrangements for their visit later this year or next year. "Our whole family is very excited about the idea. I've never been to the continent. I hear that we're very popular over there, and I believe it will be good for the game to reach out to Africa."

The Wimbledon champion said she had heard that "people of my race have had an awakening experience in Africa. They felt at home and experienced an inner bond. I'm really desperate to go there. You don't know yourself if you don't know your history."

When asked if she had any relatives in Africa, she said: "Unfortunately not. It's a pity."

She said she realised that she and her sister were role models for many children in Africa. "That's why we want to go and give the kids an opportunity to be able to play tennis and have a different life."

Serena - who won her first-round match at Wimbledon 6-3 6-3 against compatriot Jill Craybas - said it would be nice if some of the major international tennis tournaments could also be staged in Africa.