Olympic Tennis 2012: Serena & Venus Williams Win Women's Doubles Gold Medal

With the 2012 Summer Olympics red hot with action, the women’s doubles tennis tournament came to a close Sunday with Serena and Venus Williams stealing the gold over Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka by the score of 6-4, 6-4.

The huge win on the hallowed grass of Wimbledon cements the legacy of the Williams sisters with their third gold-medal performance together.

With each having a singles gold medal, there is little doubt that this duo is the greatest of the current generation and one of the best of all time.

Czech Republic stars Hlavackova and Hradecka showed true grit and skill in London, but there was just too much experience and talent from the Williams sisters to steal a win.

This was Venus and Serena’s gold to lose.

Grades

Team USA: A-

There is no doubt that due to Serena and Venus Williams' sibling status, they have been on the same page throughout their storied careers, but to be able to just hop back on the saddle after years of not playing is a testament to how great the duo truly is.

In just two tournaments this year (Wimbledon and Olympics), the duo has completely dominated. If it wasn’t for the Williams sisters’ health, their spot as greatest pair of all time wouldn’t be questioned.

Team Czech Republic: B

There is nothing negative to take away from this game for the Czech Republic team of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka, who put on an amazing show against arguably the most impressive duo of the last 15 years.

The Williams sisters are just too good.

Hlavackova and Hradecka need to be respected as one of the top teams in the world because of how they not only made it to the finals, but gave Serena and Venus a tough time.

As the majors start to come around, I would be watching for the Czech pair to win any tournament they enter that the Williams sisters do not.

What's Next?

While their health and age are starting to creep up on them, the Williams sisters have still looked amazing as a pair. Venus has lost her step in the singles competition, but Serena’s win at Wimbledon in 2012 proves that’s not the case for her.

As they said after winning the medal, though, they want to retire after Rio in 2016.

Despite not playing together much in the last few years, when they get on the court together under pressure, they are absolutely gold. I would love to see them enter every major’s doubles tournament next year.

As for the Czech team, there are big things ahead. They showed great talent, and there is no shame in losing to a team as great as the Williams sisters.

Check back for more on the 2012 Summer Olympics as it comes, and don’t miss Bleacher Report’s Olympics page to get your fill of the best athletes the world has to offer.

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