(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Serena Williams says that her sister Venus is "doing better" after it was revealed last week that she is suffering from Sjgren's syndrome.

The 29-year-old tennis ace spoke to People magazine over the weekend where she gave a health update on her older sibling.

Serena said Venus, 31, is improving and that they are trying to remain positive about the situation.

"She's doing better. It's a day at a time kind of thing," she shared. "Her spirits are good however."

Sjgren's syndrome causes fatigue and joint pain for the sufferer and affects 4 million people in America.

Serena is currently battling her way through the U.S. Open tournament that Venus had to pull out of on Wednesday due to her ill health.

"Tennis is great, but [Venus's illness] puts everything in perspective," Serena said. "I love playing tennis and I love the battle, but I realise that life is so precious and it isn't all about tennis."

Serena has also suffered her own health issues recently. She underwent an emergency treatment for a blood clot in one of her lungs last spring when she suffered from a pulmonary embolism.

The two sisters are close but Serena says she is not doing well with helping her sister out.

"I'm not the best with that," Serena says of her nursing skills. "I'm a spoiled little sister. She always takes care of me."

Serena is currently ranked in 28th place at the Open and says a victory at the tournament would be just what Venus needs to cheer her up.

"She would definitely be happy. It would be really exciting for her and make her feel better," Serena added. (C) Cover Media