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On tennis
“I love what it gives me, and it keeps giving me more,” said the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, who turns 41 next month. “I love the game. It’s a relationship. When things click, there’s no better feeling. When I’m out there in practice and I get a shot, I pump my fist. It feels good.” Here, Williams wears her own K-Swiss x EleVen by Venus Williams top and pants and the Tubes Comfort 300 x EleVen by Venus Williams sneakers, all from her upcoming fall capsule with the athletic brand.
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On her partnership with K-Swiss
“It’s a great team, they’re just so open,” said Williams. “A lot of times you can be caught up in a big corporate machine, but it’s beautiful that they can still be nimble. I’m excited about where we’re going in the future.” The tennis star wears a K-Swiss letterman jacket and Classic ’66 sneakers, both part of a forthcoming collection to mark the brand’s 55th anniversary.
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On what makes a great tennis outfit
“It’s all about confidence — if you want to go shorter or longer, if you want to wear sleeves or spaghetti straps, if you need sun protection. We all feel different,” said Williams, who has degrees in both fashion design and business. “It might be internal, but we will need to feel comfortable. The second part is just the style. I want to be able to create something that’s fun but also understandable.” Williams wears a K-Swiss x EleVen by Venus Williams top and leggings, part of the new Glow Up collection, out May 21, along with K-Swiss Ultrashot 3 performance tennis shoes.
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On tennis shoes
“It’s got to be comfortable, and it’s got to hold up. I have a very thin foot, so I have to find a shoe that is long and thin. I need something I can go back and forth on, push off on with confidence.”
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On her legacy
“I want to be remembered as a good person. I want to able to represent myself, my family and God the best way I can. As I continue to advance in life, I’m finding that desire to help more people. That’s the best thing I can do.”
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On being an advocate
“Growing up, I never thought I would be treated unequally when I got to the top of the game playing with the very best players. Those are the things you don’t foresee. Sometimes you find yourself in a moment, and you’ve got to make a choice about whether you’re going to stand up. There was no sitting down for me. That fight is never over.”