Bethanie Mattek Sands remembers 2011 highlights, talks rehab, Hopman Cup, and admiration of Venus Williams fashion!

A year ago I interviewed Bethanie Mattek Sands about her favorite tennis outfit, her tattoos, her best friends on the WTA Tour, etc. This fall I had an opportunity to interview the American again and I asked her about her 2011 season, her leisure activities and of course her opinion on the on-court WTA fashion.

MARIJA: What will you remember the 2011 season for?

BETHANIE MATTEK SANDS: Even though my 2011 season ended early due to injury I was able to reach a career high ranking and still get some of my best wins to date. The win at Hopman Cup with my partner John Isner was an amazing start to my season and I really felt I was able to gain some momentum and confidence. Off the court I have to say the Wimbledon Player Party will always be memorable as I got to rock a custom Alex Noble dress on the red carpet.

MARIJA: How is your shoulder injury now? Will you be perfectly healthy for the start of the new season and the Hopman Cup?

BETHANIE MATTEK SANDS: I’m happy to say my shoulder has come along way from where it was. I’ve been able to practice the last couple weeks but the time off and rehab I was able to take really helped it heal up. I’m excited to be going back to Perth for Hopman Cup at the end of December. If it wasn’t such a far flight I would be “down under” more often!

MARIJA: What was your favorite activity you had more time for during the rehabilitation process? I read that you enjoyed cooking?

BETHANIE MATTEK SANDS: I recently bought a beach cruiser and I’ll take my doggy Ruger out for a bike ride with me. He’s normally really good at running next to me, until he sees a rabbit! Besides that I’ve been able to do a little baking in the kitchen and right now my two favorites are Paula Deen’s monster Cookies and my own Sweet potato Pie. I’m always very health conscience when I eat but I’ll never skimp out on the good ingredients in my desserts!

MARIJA: You have a unique style, so I would like to ask you which WTA player would you point out as interesting fashion-wise? I’m asking this because on your website I read your statement saying:

“Yeah, I was watching a match – two girls dressed head-to- toe in the same thing, blonde hair, ponytail – and I didn’t even know who was who, and I play with them!”

BETHANIE MATTEK SANDS: I think so many players have a great sense of style off the court. On court attire can be tough because a lot of the girls are told what to wear by their sponsor. I think Venus has had some really stand out outfits this year, my favorites was her colorful dress at Australian Open and her Wimbledon white skort outfit. Whats cool about her wardrobe is she actually draws up her own ideas… I’m jealous! I really need to work on my drawing skills before I can start doing that.

MARIJA: Your cooperation with Lady Gaga’s designer Alex Noble for your Wimbledon clothes will be remembered for years to come. Will you work with him again?

BETHANIE MATTEK SANDS: I loved meeting and getting to know Alex Noble this year. I think he is so creative and it was a blast to get to pick his brain and see a little bit of his design process. I hope to work with him again for another event this upcoming year!

MARIJA: What do you think of WTA’s recent promo activities such as Xperia Hot Shots and the Strong is Beautiful campaign?

BETHANIE MATTEK SANDS: I think the WTA’s “Strong is Beautiful” campaigned turned out amazing. I love photo shoots… It’s always fun to get your hair and makeup done and take some fun pictures that turn out pretty. As much as we love training, practicing and working hard, our action shots aren’t always the most flattering!

Bethanie, thank you for taking your time to answer my questions. I wish you a successful 2012 season and a lot of fashion fun! 🙂 By the way, why am I not surprised that Bethanie admires Venus’ style? 🙂 (photos: © Neal Trousdale)