Venus Williams: ‘I can't go a day without speaking to my sisters'

Telegraph

15 hours ago

How do famous names spend their precious downtime? In our weekly My Saturday column, celebrities reveal their weekend virtues and vices. This week: Venus Williams
6am
It's my day to hit the snooze button. I typically have to get up for an early morning to work out and train throughout the week, but not on Saturdays.
7am
I make a breakfast smoothie with two scoops of strawberry or triple chocolate protein powder. I need to feel strong and energised to take on the day. I don't like a big meal in the morning.
8am
When I'm training, my sessions start with hitting drills on the tennis court to get into rhythm and sharpen my game. Then I transition into strength and conditioning work, including resistance training and mobility exercises. I always finish with a proper cool-down and stretching routine to help my body recover.
10am
After a workout, I get ready for the day. Lacoste is usually my go-to for anything I'm doing because I can dress up or down. Fashion started at the grass roots for me. I studied it and it's how I express myself. My style icon is Naomi Campbell – she's incredible and always reinventing herself.
11am
After my morning workout, Saturday is a rest and recovery day. For me, mental wellbeing and self-care is just as important as physical care. As an athlete, I learnt so much about performance and healthy living, and I believe in approaching wellness holistically. I love doing some meditation and going on a simple walk to clear my head.
1pm
I can't go a day without speaking to my sisters (tennis star Serena and older siblings Lyndrea and Isha). We're all incredibly close, even though we all live in different places and are constantly on the move. We all hang out together and constantly talk to each other all the time. We get into spontaneous things on a Saturday afternoon. I love going to escape rooms. They're exciting and perfect for bonding in a group.
4pm
I love walking along the beach (in Palm Beach) with my dog, Harry (Harold when he's in trouble!), a Havanese. We've been together for more than 17 years now and this little guy has such a personality. Walking may be simple, but it's a key part of my routine, on- or off-season. I use an app called WeWard that has made it more rewarding for me. I can compete with my friends or use my steps to donate to my favourite charities.
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6pm
I love being in the comfort of my own home, it's my safe space. Which is why I invest so much time and energy into its interior design.
7pm
I try to eat mostly wholefoods, especially when I'm cooking. I feel my best and I can really tell a difference in my energy and mood when I'm not eating clean. Although I'm stricter when I'm in training mode, I try to keep the same habits to a degree. When you stay ready, you don't have to get ready. My guilty pleasure has to be sweets, though. I have a major sweet tooth so at the weekend, I let myself indulge just a little. I like a bit of candy or a little dessert after dinner.
9pm
To unwind, Sex and the City is definitely the go-to show I binge. I relate to those girls on so many levels and, honestly, it's just the perfect comfort show. I also love a classic romcom – The Holiday and Love Actually are the ultimate for me. They never fail to put me in a good mood.
11pm
I convert my daily steps on the WeWard app, do my skincare routine and then it's off to bed.