Catching Up With... Venus Williams

© Getty Images

Venus Williams is one of the sentimental favorites at this year’s Sony Ericsson Open. After announcing at the 2011 US Open that she had Sjogren’s syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that causes chronic fatigue, Williams has made a triumphant return to action in Miami.

On Sunday, the 31 year old saved a match point against Aleksandra Wozniak to outlast the fellow wild card 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(5) in a third-round battle on Stadium Court. In her previous match, Williams ousted World No. 3 and reigning Wimbledon titlist Petra Kvitova.

SonyEricssonOpen.com caught up with the American to discuss the re-launch of EleVen, her dog Harold, and the three people she would invite to dinner.

It’s been 15 years since your first appearance at Crandon Park. Being a three-time former champion, why do you like playing this event?
It’s always been a great tournament. I remember watching it as a kid. And also how windy it used to be. It’s always been at the top for me and I enjoy coming here.

Last week, you re-launched your clothing line, EleVen. What did you take away from the first time you had the business, and how proud are you to be able to strongly pursue your passion for fashion once again?
I’m very excited to have it back. It’s an accomplishment not only for me, but for my fans, who continued to ask for EleVen. For me, to be able to give them that is a great feeling. I think what I learned last time was the type of designer I was and what kind I wanted to be. What I’m most proud about this time is I am the collection, this is who I am. So I’m really happy about that.

If you were to design an outfit that depicted Miami, what would you incorporate into it?
I actually did a dress here a few years ago based on Miami. It was purple and blue tie-dye, and it had a neon green EleVen logo. It was my take on Miami Vice. It was colorful, alive, eccentric, one of a kind. That’s what Miami is.

Your dog Harold is here with you. How challenging has it been to handle him… is he well behaved or is he constantly keeping you on your toes?
Harold has top behavior. I’m very proud of him. We’re codependents. He’s always here (points to dog in bag). I’m never without him. This guy is my best friend. He pretty much goes with me everywhere.

Do you dress him like a person or is that a pet peeve of yours?
I don’t dress him. He doesn’t like clothes. He likes to be naked. I let him be happy that way. I only bring sweaters for him in the winter.

If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be and why?
I would have to choose all of the members of 311, my favorite band.

… so we’re going to count them as one, since they are one group?
Yes! I’d also have to choose Beck, an artist. I love him. And then my most recent crush, Jason Segel. I have to go with the present right now, because those are the people I’m obsessed with. I have a crush on Jason for some reason.

Is there a particular restaurant or city of choice you’d host the memorable dinner at?
I’d probably go with Barton G in Miami.