Summary
Venus Williams Enjoys Concerts
Even though tennis icon Venus Williams has been busy this summer preparing for the US Open, she manages to unwind during her travels. “As I’ve been on tour, I’ve been going to concerts,” she shared in a recent exclusive interview with iBestTravel. “I saw The Weeknd, I saw Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tears for Fears, Rage Against the Machine—so many different kinds of music.”
Moreover, she enjoys a variety of genres, stating, “I listen to a bunch of stuff, and I’ve been in heaven.” She hinted that she may even try to catch Pearl Jam during their upcoming show at Madison Square Garden while she’s in New York.
Return to US Open
At 42 years old, Williams is set to compete against Alison Van Uytvanck at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday. She expressed her excitement about returning to the New York tennis stage, noting, “I have not been back to the Open since 2020. I think in the beginning I felt like, ‘Do I belong here?’ However, when I walked on site today, I was like, ‘This is my house, I own this place, open the doors, I’m home!’ Thus, it felt really cool to make that transition.”
Williams, a two-time US Open champion, is looking forward to a family affair this year. Her sister, Serena, had her first US Open match last night, which is anticipated to be her last tournament before retiring. Furthermore, the sisters will also compete in doubles together for the first time since 2018, facing Czech Republic’s Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova tomorrow.
Favorite Travel Destinations
While her schedule may not allow for typical sightseeing during her travels, she did share that Rome and Paris are among her favorite cities to visit. “I love Hong Kong; it’s a great place to eat, explore, and run,” she commented. “I love that you can take a different running trail there; it’s like New York except with mountains and ocean and a very foreign cool vibe.”
Panel Discussion at Lotte New York Palace
This interview took place at Manhattan’s historic Lotte New York Palace, where she participated in a panel discussion alongside her sister and other tennis pros, including Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka, and Nick Kyrgios.
Traditionally, ahead of the US Open, these stars engage in a friendly badminton competition in the hotel’s courtyard. However, this year, the hotel is undergoing major restoration, preventing the event.
During the discussion, which was moderated by Today show anchors Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer, Williams acknowledged that her travel schedule can be demanding. “In a hotel, people clean and make your bed,” she joked. “We go to great places; all the majors in Paris, London, and New York—if you complain about this, then I don’t know what to tell you.”
