Venus Williams' My London

Home is
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Where do you stay in London?
In a flat in Wimbledon Village with Serena.

What advice would you give a tourist coming to London?
The best time to come is during Wimbledon.

Which five London shops/outlets do you rely on?
I love Harrods for everything; Guinevere Antiques on King's Road because they have ancient objects from around the world; Topshop for some great accessories; Matthew Williamson for designer pieces; and The Wimbledon Store to get souvenirs for my friends and family.

What's the best meal you've ever had in London?
At a Greek restaurant called Halepi on Leinster Terrace, W2. They make the best hummus.

Which are your favourite hangouts?
Eclipse bar and Thai Tho restaurant in Wimbledon Village.

How do you relax?
I'm a sucker for Disney films.

What's your earliest London memory?
1997, the first time I played Wimbledon. I lost to Jana Novotna in the quarter-finals.

What are your guilty pleasures?
Candy, candy, candy.

What was the last show you saw in London?
I have never seen one, but I have always wanted to see Macbeth or The Phantom of the Opera.

What are you most afraid of?
Not staying fit and in shape.

What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Make it an official shopping day.

What's your life philosophy?
Laugh.

What animal would you most like to be and why?
My dog Harold, a three-year-old Havanese, because he has the best life.

What was the last album you downloaded?
Uplifter by 311. It's amazing.

What would you save from a fire?
My salt shaker.

What are you up to at the moment?
Preparing for the launch of my new book, Come to Win.

Which is your favourite London street for shopping?
King's Road.

Who are your heroes?
My parents, Richard and Oracene.

What do you most like wearing?
High heels.

Where were the last places you went on holiday?
I don't go on holidays because I travel so much for tennis, so when I have time off I go home. If I could go anywhere I would go to Thailand.

Venus Williams' book Come to Win: How Sports Can Help You Ace Your Goals and Top Your Profession
is out now at amazon.co.uk (Amistad Press, £16.99)