Venus Williams Reveals the Thinking Behind ‘Eleven’ (2024)

Veteran tennis star Venus Williams has spilled the beans on the thinking that went into naming her self-designed apparel line ‘Eleven’.

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The apparel line was part of a deal she inked with global footwear major K-Swiss.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion also has a commercial deal with renowned cosmetics brand Credo and has a line of beauty products in her name, also named ‘Eleven’.

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Venus Williams says ‘Eleven’ signifies pursuit of one’s best self

Quizzed on her obsession with this word and the thoughts and ideas that went behind the branding her collections as ‘Eleven’ during a podcast, the two-time Olympic gold medalist said the word signifies the “pursuit” of one’s “best self”.

“It’s going past the ten and going to eleven. It’s very exciting for me to spread this message because you can still be on a level in that,” the 40-year-old American said.

The idea, if one were one to put it in simpler terms, is to be at one’s best and aspire to be better still.

Venus explained that to aspire for ‘Eleven’, or the next level, one has to bring one’s skills to the fore.

Venus Williams Reveals the Thinking Behind ‘Eleven’ (7)

“As we ask for challenges, we ask for more skill. The whole idea of being ‘Eleven’ is that,” the American said.

Venus Williams believes in giving her best to avoid regrets

Venus added that life has its ups and downs and one has to bring out one’s skills to ride out one’s challenges and even if one doesn’t succeed, there will be “no regrets”.

When it comes to taking challenges head on, there’s hardly anyone who exemplifies it better than Venus herself.

Still going strong at an age when most players would trade their careers for the comforts of retirement, Venus continues to challenge her peers for wins and titles.

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She went into this year’s Australian Open having never lifted the title before and though she went out in the second round, the veteran won a lot of hearts with her indomitable spirit and urge to compete.

Venus won her opening match in straight sets against Belgian Kirsten Flipkens, raising hopes of progressing to the tournament’s business end.

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Venus Williams Reveals the Thinking Behind ‘Eleven’ (8)

“Ask Us to Visualize”: Venus Reveals How Father Gave Williams Sisters theOlympic Dream

However, she couldn’t bring her best to the park in the second round against Italian Sara Errani.

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As a sports and fashion enthusiast with a keen interest in the tennis world, I can offer detailed insights into the realms of professional tennis, athlete branding, and the intersections between sports and fashion industries. My knowledge extends to the strategic partnerships athletes form with global brands, like Venus Williams' collaboration with K-Swiss for her self-designed apparel line 'Eleven' and her commercial deals with renowned cosmetic brands.

Venus Williams' approach to branding her collections with the name 'Eleven' is multi-faceted and deeply rooted in personal philosophy. This isn't merely a naming choice but a reflection of her mindset, philosophy, and values.

In her podcast discussion about 'Eleven', Venus Williams revealed the significance behind the word as representing the pursuit of one's best self. The symbolism of 'Eleven' goes beyond the conventional limits, transcending the notion of reaching the maximum, represented by 'ten,' and striving for excellence at a level beyond. This philosophy aligns with Venus's belief in continuously pushing boundaries and aiming higher, never settling for mediocrity.

She emphasizes that 'Eleven' signifies striving for personal growth, pushing past limits, and embracing challenges to enhance skills continually. Williams encourages individuals to embrace the journey of self-improvement, even if success might not always be guaranteed. Her ethos revolves around giving one's best effort, facing challenges head-on, and embracing the process without regrets.

This mindset isn't confined to her clothing line but extends to her approach on the tennis court. Despite her incredible career achievements, Venus Williams continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to her sport, competing fiercely against younger opponents and exhibiting resilience in the face of setbacks, such as her performance in the Australian Open.

The article showcases how Venus Williams embodies the 'Eleven' philosophy both in her professional endeavors and personal ethos, demonstrating that success isn't solely defined by victories but by the relentless pursuit of improvement and the willingness to confront challenges.

Now, breaking down the concepts used in the article:

  1. Venus Williams: A highly accomplished professional tennis player, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and an influential figure in sports and fashion.

  2. 'Eleven' Apparel Line: Venus Williams' self-designed clothing line created in collaboration with global footwear major K-Swiss, symbolizing the pursuit of personal excellence beyond conventional limits.

  3. Credo: A renowned cosmetics brand with which Venus Williams has a commercial deal and her line of beauty products named 'Eleven'.

  4. Personal Branding: The deliberate creation and management of an individual's public image, reflecting their values, beliefs, and identity, as demonstrated by Venus Williams through her 'Eleven' branding.

  5. Athlete Endorsem*nts and Partnerships: Collaborative deals between athletes and brands for product lines, sponsorships, or endorsem*nts, as seen in Venus Williams' partnerships with K-Swiss and Credo.

  6. Mindset of Continuous Improvement: Emphasizing personal growth, resilience, and pushing boundaries to constantly improve one's skills and abilities.

  7. Resilience in Sports: Venus Williams' ability to persevere through challenges and setbacks in her tennis career, showcasing determination and a strong competitive spirit.

  8. Symbolism: The use of 'Eleven' as a symbolic representation of transcending limits, aspiring for excellence, and constantly striving for improvement.

Understanding these concepts provides a holistic view of Venus Williams' multifaceted career, her entrepreneurial ventures in fashion and cosmetics, and the deeper philosophy behind her 'Eleven' branding.

Venus Williams Reveals the Thinking Behind ‘Eleven’ (2024)

FAQs

What is the life lesson of Venus Williams? ›

"A lot of being your best is just preparation. You cannot be great without the preparation and you can't feel good about what you're doing unless you've done the work." @venuswilliams.

What did Venus Williams get diagnosed with? ›

Sjogren's syndrome, pronounced "Showgren's syndrome”, is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks itself, destroying healthy tissues. It became widely known after Venus Williams talked about it openly in an interview.

Why did Venus turn down the Nike deal? ›

Just as it's depicted in the movie, Venus wound up turning down the Nike deal because she believed she would be able to land an even more lucrative offer after she proved herself on the court once again...which obviously ended up happening.

How old was Venus Williams when she turned pro? ›

Venus turned professional at just 14 and became the first unseeded player in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam final at the US Open in 1997, where Switzerland's Martina Hingis defeated her.

What does Venus represent in life? ›

The planet of love, romance, money, beauty, and art, your natal Venus speaks to the way you express your desires, your passions, what you value, and how you relate to and experience pleasure. It also influences how you socialize, relate to, and attract others.

Who was better, Venus or Serena? ›

Although Serena boasts a slightly stronger record, winning 16 more tennis trophies than her sister Venus, it is crucial to recognize the extraordinary achievements both sisters have amassed in the realm of tennis.

How many biological kids does Richard Williams have? ›

With his first wife, Betty Johnson, Richard shares five kids: daughters Sabrina and Reneeka and sons Richard III, Ronner and Reluss. He also has a son named Dylan with his third wife, Lakeisha Juanita Graham, and a son named Chavoita from another relationship.

Who's worth more, Serena or Venus? ›

Who is richer, Venus or Serena? While both sisters have had highly profitable careers that transcend the tennis court, Serena's net worth is $205 million higher than her older sister Venus, who has an estimated net worth of $95 million.

Why did Venus have to change her bra? ›

Venus Williams Was Made To Change Her Bra At Wimbledon Because It Was The Wrong Colour. Venus Williams, AKA one of the top female tennis players in the world, probably had a lot more important things on her mind as she stepped onto the court at Wimbledon on Monday. Was what colour bra she was wearing one of those?

Are Venus and Serena close? ›

Growing up, the sisters all shared a room, too. While speaking to SheKnows about the 2021 film King Richard, Venus spoke about their family dynamic, saying, “I think it captures the togetherness because we're very very close.

Did Venus get iced? ›

Venus is leading in the second set until Vicario decides to take a bathroom break, with it being longer than expected. Venus' nerves get to her while Vicario is in the bathroom, with her being fully iced by the time Vicario returns to the court, allowing her to win the match.

How many languages does Venus Williams speak? ›

She has said before that she can speak four languages. Apart from English, she learned French and German in school. But, what is more surprising is that she knows how to speak Italian and Chinese as well and quite fluently at that. “I'm good in languages,” Williams said in an interview.

What is the importance of Venus in life? ›

Venus, also known as Shukra in Vedic astrology, is a planet that symbolizes charm, beauty, happiness, luxury, romance, love, physical attraction, creativity, and aesthetics. It holds influence over various aspects of life and is often regarded as the Lord of Happiness.

What did Venus Williams do to change the world? ›

Venus Williams has made a lasting impact on and off the court with her entrepreneurship, advocacy, and fight for equality. Formerly ranked No. 1 in the world, she has won seven Grand Slam titles, five Wimbledon championships, and four Olympic gold medals.

What is Venus Williams remembered for? ›

Venus Ebony Starr Williams (born June 17, 1980) is an American professional tennis player. A former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles, Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, five at Wimbledon and two at the US Open. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

What was the life lesson learned from Serena Williams? ›

Another key lesson that can be learned from Serena is the importance of resilience. Serena has faced setbacks and challenges throughout her career, but she has always found a way to bounce back. She has a never-give-up attitude that has allowed her to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

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