How the queen of the court stays at the top of her game

SERENA Williams has done it all, and keeps going. Here’s her take on winning, shoes, family, retirement and boobs.

The queen of the court and she’s not going anywhere.

AS tennis star Serena Williams attempts to take another title — possibly overtaking Steffi Graf as the winner of the most grand slam titles ever — the word “retirement” doesn’t even figure in her mind.

As Serena gears up for a 17th tilt of the US Open at Arthur Ashe stadium in New York this week, the tennis great took time out for an exclusive Q&A with news.com.au

Serena talked family, her shoe fetish, strength, retirement, mentors, oh, and boobs.

Melissa Hoyer: Who are your mentors or people you would still like to meet?

Serena Williams: I feel so lucky that I have been privileged to meet so many incredible and inspiring people, but my mum and my sister Venus are my true mentors in life.

MH: Does the word retirement — ever figure in your life?

SW: The last year has been an amazing year for me and I’m not done yet! I’m having so much fun doing what I do, and playing tennis, I’m still enjoying myself.

MH: You have brought so much fun and brightness to the tennis court — on and off — was that a conscious decision?

SW: I try to live my life having fun. I love what I do, so I guess in that sense it is conscious. You need to have passion to perform at your best and compete in the sport, otherwise it’s just hard work.

MH: What is your normal day when you are in full training?

SW: My typical day consists of two to three hours on the court with some extra time for conditioning in the gym. I also make sure to do some yoga and pilates a few times a week to make sure I am stretching and improving my flexibility.

MH: What about when you are not in full training?

SW: I love to take time out for myself and just be at home. I also LOVE to dance!

MH: Your strength is just amazing: what is the one exercise you would suggest most women do?

SW: Apart from tennis, dance is another passion of mine. It’s so much fun and amazing for a full body workout.

MH: Sportswear, and activewear has become such a fashion statement and every day thing to wear: do you think you were a big part of making that trend happen?

SW: My fashion choices have been reported widely in the media, but I wouldn’t say it’s me personally! I think people are taking more of an interest in sports and it’s showing more in our everyday lives. Now with brands like Berlei coming out with really stylish sportswear, it’s not surprising people are wearing them as fashion items.

MH: You seem so close with your family — does that ever get difficult or it is just natural?

SW: It’s very natural, my family is so important to me and a great support in my life. I always have family close by, they are a constant inspiration and strength for me.

MH: Do you have one or two absolute career highlights?

SW: I like to always think my greatest achievements are yet to come. I think it’s important to keep looking to the future, and after every win I always focus on the next game ahead.

MH: You love fashion, but what do you really like to wear when you’re out of tennis gear?

SW: I love shoes! And I always dress confidently, it’s important to be yourself and own your style so you can exude confidence and feel great.

MH: How important is it to have a seriously good fitting bra?

SW: It’s so important to have a bra that fits you well and gives you full support, especially when playing sports! I think most women who play sports don’t realise how much of a difference it can make in the long run. My favourite Berlei High Performance bra has supported me through every grand slam over the last decade.

MH: Do you think so many women just ‘forget’ to find something that fits them well and is functional as well as fashionable (and sexy)?

SW: I think people find it hard to find something that ticks all the boxes and that’s why I love Berlei bras so much — their bras are stylish but also really functional. Sometimes I just take a picture of myself in my bra and put it on Instagram, I’m obsessed!

Underwear is the first thing you put on in the morning; it starts your day and is so important for making you feel confident, strong and even sexy when you are wearing something that fits well.

Serena has now become the main selling point for what has become Australia’s number one sports bra brand, which is releasing its new spring/summer collection.

Created to encourage high performance and to truly support women, Berlei sports bras are tested, used and approved by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).

Since personally discovering Berlei in Australia 10 years ago, Serena has worn the high performance sports bra to protect her breasts throughout every tournament, becoming officially aligned with the brand three years ago.

“I love to perform at my optimum and I try to align myself with brands that believe in the same thing I believe in,” she says.

“Being your best and working your hardest, and that’s what Berlei is able to do.

“Being involved with the design team has been really exciting, seeing what they come up with and being a part of such a wonderful brand that has helped me thsrough my entire career.”