Serena and Venus Williams seem to have it all.

They're ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in singles, respectively, they're a tough combo to beat in doubles and they've even designed their own tennis attire.

But what makes Serena and Venus truly great? Power.

I'll admit when the Williams first stepped into the world of professional tennis, I was impressed. You could not miss them with their beaded hair, hoop earrings, stylish tennis dresses and unmistakable grunts.

They entered the pros with dominating power from the beginning. They entered the pros maybe a bit too early, refusing to play junior tournaments. They weren't quite as experienced as other players, however, they were not afraid of making mistakes. After all, they were still young and had a long professional tennis career ahead of them where they could only improve their game.

After viewing the sisters play each other last month at the Australian Open, I realized I was disinterested in watching them play.

For one, I, like most of the fans, had no idea who to cheer for.

It's a toss-up because they both represent the U.S. and have a similar game - with Serena being the more consistent player. I decided to cheer for Venus, 22, who has lost the previous three times in the finals at Grand Slam tournaments to her sister. The 21-year-old Serena ended up winning the three-set match - again - claiming yet another Grand Slam title against Venus.

Most of my friends had no interest in watching the final match between the sisters because the latest Grand Slams have resulted with the Williams in the final. It has come to the point where it is expected for the two to meet each other in the end. Their father has been feeding them balls since they were three; they should be at the top with the passion they have put in the game. Yet, to me this is no surprise and watching women's pro tennis isn't exciting for me anymore.

Venus and Serena came on the tennis scene independent and a little too cocky for the game, however, they began winning matches almost immediately. They learned this all from a father who picked up a book and learned the game in a few days. They dismissed the idea of following in the footsteps of another.

If you've observed the Williams' demeanor after losing a match and heard them interviewed, you can determine their outlook on the match immediately. They don't look at the match as a defeat, they see it as a match they should have won. That is how confident they are.

Since playing tennis competitively in high school, it has been ingrained in me that tennis was not about power. I was taught to just get the ball in the court, whatever pace behind the shot. I learned consistency and strategy were the most important tactics in tennis. Power eventually comes with consistency.

When watching the two sisters play matches, I see nothing but shots ripped across the net. They hit the crap out of the ball and fans hear the familiar grunts after every stroke hit with a great deal of strength and power behind it.

I am by no means implying the Williams have no talent. Venus and Serena are both consistent players or else they wouldn't be winning like they are. These two are inspiring for the game of tennis because they have taken it to another level of excellence. Other aspiring players of the future will realize to be great, their games must rise to that level.

Now the question is how to rise to the Williams' level of tennis.

In a way, it's like how a great serve dominates the game. Pete Sampras had the best serve in the game when he turned pro and Andre Agassi couldn't touch his game, even with the best return of serve in the business. Agassi had to give his game a makeover to rise to Sampras' level of tennis by getting in tremendous physical shape and stepping up his game.

Tennis is not a game to see how hard one can hit the ball. This is how Venus and Serena have portrayed the game to be. Sure, every tennis player loves the power of feeling like his or her entire body was exerted into the execution of the shot after the ball hits the strings. But it's about consistency and being strategic about every shot taken.

Lindsay Weiskittel, a State News intern, can be reached at weiskitt@msu.edu.