After almost 16 months since she last graced her presence in a grand slam tournament, Serena Williams’ return to the French Open has attracted the attention of many. Although it wasn’t her tennis that was the main talking point.
Taking to centre stage on Court Philippe Chatrier, the former world No.1 battled her way past Kristyna Pliskova 7-6(4), 6-4. Claiming only her third win on the tour since giving birth to her first child last September. During her latest triumph, the focus of many was on what Williams was wearing. A black cat suit in what was a stark difference to the usual clothing players wear on the WTA Tour.
“I call it like my Wakanda-inspired cat suit.” Williams said in reference to the Marvel comic. “It’s really fun. Although we designed it way before the movie (Black Panther), but still, it kind of reminds me of that.”
“It was comfortable. I tried it on a couple of times before. Hadn’t tried it on in a long time, like, over a month. So I was just winging it in the last minute.”
Williams’ dress code sparked memories of Anne White at the 1985 Wimbledon Championships. Back then her spandex all-white cat suit sparked controversy with fellow player, Pam Shriver, calling it distracting and officials asked her to change her clothing the next day. Ironically, it is the opposite scenario in Williams’ case. Who Believes her outfit makes her feel like a ‘super hero.’
“I feel like a warrior in it, like a warrior princess kind of, queen from Wakanda maybe. I’m always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it’s kind of my way of being a superhero.” She said.
Eager not to use her fashion statement for her own benefit, the 36-year-old took to social media to inspire other mothers. Saying that if she can wear such an outfit after giving birth, so can they. Shortly after the arrival of her daughter, Williams suffered from a series of health issues. Including a pulmonary embolism (a blocked vessel in her lung), the stitching of her c-section opening back up and a hematoma (swelling of clotted blood) in her abdomen.
“It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves.” The 23-time grand slam champion explained.
“I definitely feel like it is an opportunity for me to inspire a whole different group of amazing women and kids. It just kind of expands that, and I really, really embrace it.”
At the French Open, Williams will play Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in the second round.
Catsuit anyone? For all the moms out there who had a tough recovery from pregnancy—here you go. If I can do it, so can you. Love you all!! pic.twitter.com/xXb3BKDGNF
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 29, 2018
