November 11, 2004

The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- Serena Williams still loves playing tennis, although her passion for fashion is undeniable.

"I'm an unbelievable designer. I don't know how I know and just do these things," she said Tuesday. "I just start sketching and then I just know the colors and I always know the forecast. I know green and purple are going to be hot. I was born to be a designer. I worked hard to be a tennis player, I don't work hard to be a designer."

Williams has created an on-court stir over the years with her skintight outfits, including a leather-looking "catsuit" she wore as a 17-year-old at the U.S. Open. She is now designing outfits that she'll wear next year.

On Nov. 2, she reached a new level of exposure at the London premiere of Pierce Brosnan's new film, "After the Sunset." In an outfit that had a near-topless effect, Williams wore a red gown with strips of sheer fabric that revealed more than just cleavage.

She has her own line of designer clothing called Aneres -- her first name spelled backward -- that she plans to sell in boutiques in Miami and Los Angeles.

"I love tennis more than designing because it's actually easier and I don't get nearly as nervous. I'm so nervous when I'm designing," she said.

And she hasn't forgotten about acting.

"I've had a lot of different offers, interesting offers from TV shows," she said. "If I wasn't playing tennis, I would have something to do every day, but unfortunately, I don't have time for it right now."

(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)