Venus Williams: From Grand Slams to Global Wanderings, a Tennis Icon Unpacks Her Transformative Parisian Journeys.

Venus Williams, a titan of the tennis world whose career spans an astonishing three decades, continues to defy expectations with her enduring stamina and unparalleled longevity. At 46, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion recently marked a historic milestone by competing in her 26th US Open, an achievement that solidifies her legacy as the player with the most appearances in the tournament’s history. Since her professional debut at just 14 years old, the California native has not only honed her craft on countless courts worldwide but has also become a seasoned global traveler, constantly navigating different time zones and cultures. This relentless schedule has profoundly shaped her perspective on travel, blurring the lines between work and leisure, and redefining what "vacation" truly means.

For Williams, the concept of a relaxing getaway often translates to unwinding at her tranquil Florida home. This preference underscores a deep-seated desire for comfort and familiarity, particularly when it comes to her choice of accommodation on the road. "I do not compromise on hotels," Williams firmly stated during a pre-US Open event at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, a luxury establishment renowned for its refined ambiance and impeccable service. Her uncompromising stance on hotels stands in stark contrast to her flexibility regarding flights. "I will compromise on my flight and sit almost anywhere, it doesn’t matter to me. But I just have to be at an amazing hotel." This sentiment highlights a common prioritization among elite athletes and frequent travelers: optimizing recovery and well-being at the destination, even if it means enduring less comfortable transit. The choice of an "amazing hotel" with a "homey feel" and a "beautiful bed" speaks to the importance of a sanctuary after demanding matches and public engagements, offering a consistent standard of luxury and service that newer, trend-driven establishments might not consistently provide. She admits to having been drawn to the "newest, coolest, trendiest" design-forward accommodations in her younger years, but experience has taught her the value of "extremely established hotels that have amazing service."

Beyond her immediate travel comforts, Williams harbors a fascination for diverse global destinations and unique recreational pursuits. She mused about Hong Kong being her favorite city in the world, a vibrant metropolis that effortlessly blends Eastern traditions with cutting-edge modernity. Its dynamic energy, world-class dining, and stunning skyline likely resonate with her own multifaceted personality, so much so that she was contemplating a fall tournament there just for the chance to revisit. This reveals a traveler who actively seeks out cultural immersion, even within the confines of a demanding professional schedule. Her enthusiastic passion for escape rooms further showcases her love for intellectual challenges and collaborative problem-solving. She listed The Escape Game, Escapology, and PanIQ as her favorites, but her ultimate ambition is to compete in the World Escape Room Championships, last held in Bulgaria. This unique hobby provides a mental workout, a break from the physical demands of tennis, and an opportunity for lighthearted competition, qualities that likely appeal to her competitive spirit.

However, it was a particular trip to Paris that Williams chose to highlight, a journey that profoundly reshaped her life’s priorities and introduced her to a world beyond the tennis court. She vividly recalled a winter 2024 Paris Fashion Week trip, undertaken before her marriage, as a pivotal moment of personal rediscovery. "There have been many trips to Paris Fashion Week, but let’s go back to the one in the winter of 2024, before I was married. I was going to go to one or two shows. Two, for me, is a lot. It involves a ton of getting ready. And on this trip, I took my sister Isha." Paris Fashion Week, a global spectacle of haute couture and celebrity, provided a stark contrast to the disciplined world of professional tennis. The itinerary, while still incorporating her commitment to fitness with "gym sessions here and there" and "some tennis," was primarily geared towards an active social life. "Most of all, I know I’ll be out every night, so I have to bring clothes to be ready for my nightlife, which is extremely important." This period marked a distinct shift in her focus, embracing the vibrancy and social opportunities that the City of Lights offered.

Williams’ relationship with Paris dates back to her formative years, having first visited at 16 to compete in the French Open. She has since frequented the city at least once a year. Yet, the specific winter trip she described held a deeper, more personal significance, stemming from a unique set of circumstances during the pandemic. In 2020, the French Open, typically held in May, was postponed to October due to global health restrictions. Players were confined to a strict "bubble," with daily activities severely limited, including only a one-hour outdoor walk. "So once I unfortunately did lose at the tournament, I checked myself into a luxury hotel and started shopping and partying. This was before the second shutdown." This post-tournament indulgence, a spontaneous rebellion against the strictures of the bubble, transformed Paris into a symbol of "freedom and choice" for Williams. It was during this time that a friend’s casual invitation to a Louis Vuitton show became a turning point. Initially hesitant, feeling the pull to return home, she ultimately attended. "I went to the show, and it felt like my whole life got started." This experience catalyzed a profound realization: her life extended far beyond the confines of the tennis court, opening her eyes to new passions, social experiences, and a broader definition of self. The fashion world, with its artistry and glamour, offered a new avenue for expression and connection that she hadn’t fully explored before.

When it came to packing for this transformative Parisian adventure, Williams’ choices reflected a blend of practical comfort and spontaneous glamour. For flights, she prioritized warmth and ease, opting for a "cardigan and a turtleneck" when aiming for a chic look. She admitted her enduring affection for Ugg boots, acknowledging, "they’re not that popular now, so I’m like the only one wearing them." Paired with "Wolford leggings" and a "long-sleeved sweater," her flight ensemble underscored the importance of coziness in air travel, especially given her propensity to feel cold.

However, the most unusual item in her luggage spoke volumes about her family’s dynamic and her personal flair: a "quality karaoke mic." "My family is a karaoke family and you never know when you need the mic," she explained, revealing a playful side rarely seen on court. Her repertoire is extensive, with "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins being a recent favorite. She also shared delightful anecdotes about her musical collaborations: learning Italian duets with her husband, a Michael Jackson enthusiast, and Serena’s penchant for Disney standards like "Part of Your World" from The Little Mermaid. This detail paints a vivid picture of the Williams family’s off-court camaraderie and joy.

Her wardrobe for Paris Fashion Week was meticulously planned, albeit with a heavy emphasis on nightlife. She packed "two to three workout outfits from Lacoste," reasoning that for strength training rather than intense cardio, they could be re-worn after washing. The real focus, however, was on her evening attire. "I was a single girl. I’m wearing short dresses and preparing for any and every party that I don’t even know I’m gonna be at." This reflected a period of vibrant social exploration. Complementing these outfits were her signature heels: "Christian Louboutin 80 centimeters were my go-tos. They’re high. I’m 6-foot-1 and I love being tall. I’m not afraid of it." Her choice not only showcased her confidence but also her practical approach to partying – selecting shoes that allowed her to dance for hours.

Beyond the glitz, she made sure to include essentials for her professional identity, albeit sparingly. "I brought one Wilson racquet—that’s not a lot of racquets." She recounted a previous trip where, feeling disillusioned with her tennis career, she hadn’t packed a racquet at all, only to desperately borrow one of Serena’s when the urge to play returned. This highlights the unpredictable nature of an athlete’s life and the constant need for preparedness. Her "date outfits for the daytime, possibly even a lunch date," further illustrated her commitment to embracing her social life during this period.

A humorous anecdote perfectly encapsulated her spontaneous Parisian lifestyle: "The night we got in, my sister and I were done because we already had to get up in like four hours. We’d taken showers, washed our hair, and put on face masks—all the things." Then came the inevitable text about an impromptu party in a friend’s hotel room. Her sister Isha’s enthusiastic "yes" led to a frantic last-minute preparation. Williams grabbed a "Louis Vuitton shift dress," managed to style her hair quickly, and, remarkably, kept a clear Tata Harper resurfacing mask on her face. The anticlimactic party, featuring only "one guy there who had a crush on me, but he was not someone you would ever date," was quickly abandoned. Despite the brevity, the experience was memorable: "This was my lifestyle and I loved it—I got to live it! I’m not living it now, but that was when you’ve got to have that second outfit ready for that very random moment!"

Reflecting on her travel habits, Williams openly discussed a past "major shopping addiction" during which her motto was, "I’m not winning, but I’m spending." The financial reality, however, often brought her back to earth: "I was laughing until the credit card bill came, and then it wasn’t funny anymore." She admitted to purchasing items like watches she’s "never worn" but now strives to buy "timeless things." While currently "under control," she playfully hinted at the potential for a relapse: "I don’t shop anymore, but deep down I’m just waiting for that moment where I start up again. It’s not today. It’s not tomorrow. I’m under control…for the moment."

Williams also offered practical advice for combating jet lag, encapsulated in a rhythmic mantra: "If you land at night, stay up on the flight. That rhymes. If you land during the day, go out and play. I’m a rapper now!" She elaborated, explaining that if she lands during the day, she allows herself a brief "hour or two nap" before engaging in activity like practice and staying awake until at least 10 p.m. local time. This strategy helps to quickly reset the body’s circadian rhythm, a key to avoiding prolonged jet lag.

For a comforting piece of home on the road, Williams brings her "19-year-old Havanese," Harold, underscoring the emotional support and companionship pets offer during extensive travel. When assessing her packing efficiency, she confessed to "slightly overpacked" for her Paris trip. While she prefers the liberating simplicity of a carry-on for short personal trips, packing for tennis tournaments presents a significant challenge. "Packing for tennis is a little challenging because I have to pack my match clothes, practice clothes, and clothes for off the court. There are so many tennis shoes—you need at least two, in case one goes out. It’s happened to me and if you don’t have that second pair on the side, you’re screwed. You also need racquet string, an ice machine, and a bunch of stuff. So I travel with four bags—I give one to my husband, so it’s three, but it’s hard." This logistical complexity highlights the hidden demands of an elite athlete’s life on the global circuit.

Finally, Williams articulated what makes the US Open uniquely special among the four Grand Slams. "It’s a city that never sleeps. The energy here is so much that people who live here need to get out of the city—that says a lot!" This energetic, relentless pace mirrors the city itself. She lauded the New York crowd for being "boisterous," but once they commit, "they’re there for you. Then they’re not leaving you. It’s just a very special experience." This unwavering support and electric atmosphere, characteristic of New York, creates an unparalleled stage for the sport, making the US Open a truly unforgettable event in the tennis calendar for players and fans alike.