Serena Williams (left), the 2007 Australian Open women's singles champion, with Monique Hanson of the Pegasus Tennis Club during a tennis clinic at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel yesterday. Approximately 300 students from 27 schools attended the clinic. Serena and her sister Venus are on a two-day visit to the island. - Anthony Minott

LeVaughn Flynn, Staff Reporter

Tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams are in the island. The world's best known tennis sisters touched down at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday for a two-day visit.

The Williams sisters were first off the plane from the business class and were greeted by Minister of Tourism, Aloun Assamba. Several airport workers stopped to catch snapshots of the women with digital cameras and camera phones.

"I like the way they play tennis," said Meleshia Lawrence as she watched from about 20 feet away.

Another airport worker, Steve Johnson, who tried to get his shot between a throng of cameramen, said he likes them because of what they represent.

"(I'm not really a tennis fan) but I've watched their careers and admire them, along with Tiger Woods, as black people who excel in sports played mostly by whites," said Johnson.

After being presented with bouquets by government officials, the Williams sisters were escorted to the VIP Lounge at the airport where the Tourism Minister congratulated Serena on her recent victory in the women's singles final at the Australian Open.

Mobbed for autographs

Late yesterday evening the sisters were literally mobbed by autograph seekers when they held a coaching clinic for over 300 kids from 27 schools at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

Venus said they were overwhelmed by the reception they got.

"I'm happy that I'm in Jamaica and thank everyone for welcoming us here. The turnout and reception is really overwhelming," she added.

Both sisters were also given a plaque on behalf of the Pegasus hotel through its tennis manager, Sharon Donaldson and tennis pro Philbert Palmer.

A reception was held in their honour at the same hotel last night. The Williams' travelling party includes agent Evan Levy, sisters Lyndrea and Isha, cousin Rachel Alexander and family friend Vale De-Felice.

They are scheduled to leave the island tomorrow morning.