NFLAmerican Legend Venus Williams Reveals Her Unconventional Obsession — And It’s Not Tennis

NFLAmerican Legend Venus Williams Reveals Her Unconventional Obsession — And It’s Not Tennis

Venus Williams has long been celebrated as a trailblazer in the world of tennis, but her passions extend far beyond the court. With an impressive career that includes 7 Grand Slam singles titles, 14 doubles titles, and 4 Olympic gold medals, Williams’ athletic achievements are legendary. Yet, in a recent interview, the former World No. 1 revealed a lesser-known obsession—one that has little to do with rackets and rallies.

In a candid conversation shared on Cultured Magazine’s official Instagram, Williams spoke openly about her fascination with art, individual playstyles in tennis, and a hobby that has become her personal “happy place”: escape rooms.

“Tennis is an artistic sport,” Williams explained. “Players become artists on the court. I call myself an artist who sweats.” But when asked about her true obsession, she surprised many with her answer. “Definitely my obsession with escape rooms. Don’t ask me why, but I cannot live without them. It’s my happy place.”

This revelation offers a unique glimpse into Williams’ personality—intellectual, curious, and driven by mental challenges. Her love for puzzles and problem-solving mirrors the strategic mindset she brings to her game. Whether it’s solving a complex escape room or navigating a tense match point, her ability to stay composed and focused is undeniable.

During a shoot at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Williams also spoke with interviewer Titus Kaphar about her passion for fashion and her interest in emerging artists. Still, it was her escape room enthusiasm that stood out—a hobby that, while surprising to some, aligns perfectly with her inquisitive and resilient spirit.

This isn’t the first time she’s opened up about it. In an earlier interview with Essence Magazine promoting her second book Strive, Williams described escape rooms as her favorite way to unwind, even amid a packed travel schedule. “My biggest hobby is escape rooms. When traveling, I’ll start the day at 6 a.m., and my only free time might be at 11 p.m.—and that’s when I’ll do an escape room. It’s an interesting mental challenge,” she said.

She reiterated this sentiment in a conversation with Business Traveller, adding, “I’m an escape-room junkie and just did a virtual one with my niece.” For Williams, it’s more than just entertainment—it’s a way to keep her mind sharp, her stress levels in check, and her spirit engaged.

This mental strength has been a cornerstone of her career, particularly as she has battled significant health challenges. In 2011, Williams was diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune condition that causes severe fatigue and energy depletion. The diagnosis marked a turning point in her life.

“It was a huge relief,” she said at the time. “As an athlete, everything is about being fit and in shape. When something is wrong and you don’t know what it is, that’s the hardest part.”

In Strive, Williams discusses how she overcame the emotional and physical hurdles associated with her condition. She continues to inspire others by openly sharing her journey, encouraging resilience and optimism in the face of adversity.

In an interview with ABC News, she reflected, “I spent my whole life pushing myself. If you work hard enough, you get what you want. But then—guess what? That all went out the window. I had to learn to overcome fear.”

Indeed, Venus Williams is more than a tennis icon. She is a symbol of resilience, creativity, and unyielding spirit. Whether she’s dominating on the court, navigating a maze of puzzles in an escape room, or inspiring others through her story, she continues to redefine what it means to be a champion—on every front.