That time Serena Williams gushed about shopping in Hong Kong: the tennis legend was an hour late to a 2002 press event after an unplanned retail binge

‘I can’t stay long enough,’ the American tennis superstar said on her 3rd visit to Hong Kong, adding, ‘The people are very nice and welcoming and I feel it is a very warm place to be’

She also spoke to the Post about sibling rivalry after beating Venus Williams at the US Open final, saying she and her sister ‘have always been close even when she wins or when I win’

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American tennis star Serena Williams wears a traditional Chinese outfit while on her third visit to Hong Kong, in 2002. Photo: SCMP Archives

Published: 7:15am, 26 Sep 2024

“American superstar Serena Williams may have won a third straight Grand Slam title with style and precision but she got her timing all wrong when she turned up an hour late for her press conference – after she couldn’t resist shopping,” reported the South China Morning Post on September 14, 2002.

“Williams was due to appear before the local media at 3pm yesterday at a Hong Kong hotel to promote her special appearance at Victoria Park tonight, but she kept them waiting until 4pm while out on a shopping mission.

“‘I just got back and I was just looking. You can call it pre-shopping. It’s been set up and the next thing is to actually purchase,’ said the world No 1, who arrived early yesterday morning with her mother Oracene and personal trainer Kerrie Brooks for the event billed as ‘Serena Williams Live’.

Serena Williams in Hong Kong 2002. Photo: SCMP Archive

“Williams, who beat her elder sister Venus in the US Open final at Flushing Meadows, has always had a taste for shopping and she wanted to make the most of her trip here. ‘I love Hong Kong. This is the third time I have been here. The people are very nice and welcoming and I feel it is a very warm place to be. I can’t stay here long enough. There’s not enough time for shopping,’ she laughed.

“Williams was also adamant that her latest success had not affected her relationship with Venus. ‘Not at all. We have remained very close and have always been close even when she wins or when I win a couple. Who knows? Venus might win again,’ said the two-time US Open champion, who tried on a pink Chinese-style brocado made by Hong Kong’s Sam the Tailor, aka Manu Melwani.”