The bootylicious tennis Icon TALKS politics, DATE PREP and breakups. Stand aside, gents, the champ is here.
As told to Saidah Petrie; Photography by Andrew Dosunmu;MORE CREDITS: (STYLIST) DORCIA KELLEY; (HAIR) ROCHELLE AT SALON 804; (MAKEUP) ANDREA RICHTER/DIONPERONNEAU.COM FOR NARS MAKEUP; (CLOTHING) NECKLACE BY SUBVERSIVE JEWELRY BY JUSTIN GIUNTA; DRESS BY SHANA FOR COLLECTHER; SHOES BY CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTINMen say: I couldn’t get too serious with someone who is extremely politically active.
Serena says: I don’t think I could either. I’m a Jehovah’s Witness, and we don’t get involved in political issues. Obviously I’m excited about what happened with Obama; I’m excited about everything that went on, so it sucks that I didn’t even vote. A lot of people who aren’t typically interested in politics may be a bit more invested now, but I don’t take a political stand in any way, shape or form.
Men say: Women are too emotional when it comes to breaking up.
Serena says: Please. I know a few guys that my friends have broken up with that have yet to get over it. I’m like, “It’s been years, just let it go!” It takes a long time, especially when they really like someone. For me, that’s dealing with too many emotions. Men think that about women because a woman isn’t afraid to show her emotions; we cry and do things overtly. For men it’s just more repressed.
Men say: I’d have a hard time dating a woman whose career overshadows mine.
Serena says: That happens a lot, unfortunately. I’ve experienced it before—you really have to be a man with a lot of confidence in yourself to date someone who has a better career. There are a lot of successful guys who marry or date women who aren’t super-successful, to say the least. Men like the feeling of being in complete control; personally, I like a guy who’s the man in the relationship.
Men say: It should never take a woman more than 20 minutes to get ready for a date.
Serena says: Guys are shallow; they like a woman who looks really good on the outside—as well as having a great personality on the inside. That being said, I know if I’m going on a date it definitely takes me longer than 20 minutes just to shower, let alone get ready. It depends on the occasion. I like to take a bath, relax. And then it takes me forever to pick out what I’m going to wear. Literally forever.
