Serena's rocket boots

Never mind that former tennis world No 1 Serena Williams has been named one of the 10 worst-dressed women in America.

Serena, who has not won a Grand Slam event in the last 18 months, still confidently showed off her latest range of 'tennis wear' - including boots - here in Australia.

She paraded her eye- catching apparel at the St Kilda beach resort, about three miles from Melbourne Park, where next week she will start her campaign to win a second Australian Open title.

Serena co-designed the three-inone, green-and-white Nike dress and knee-high boots to go with it.

She stepped out of the dress to reveal what she will wear underneath in Australia - a top and shorts that are just 'ideal' for practice.

Unconventional? 'You bet!' said Serena, who explained that the knee- highs would be removed between the warm-up and the match. 'My legs take a little longer to warm up than the next opponent, so it's perfect for me. They'll keep me warm, then I'll be able to blast off,' she said.