Serena Williams’ opening match at the Australian Open was as much about what she was wearing as well as how she performed.
The 23-time grand slam champion caused a social media frenzy when she walked onto the Rod Laver arena wearing a long black coat. Then after warming up, she took it off to reveal that she was wearing a green Nike jumpsuit-like outfit, but not as long. Williams has been known for her somewhat unique outfits worn at grand slams. Last year at the French Open she wore a full length black Catsuit. Then at the US Open she was wearing a tutu.
“We design really far in advance at Nike.” Williams said during her press conference. “I knew that I have been working really, really hard in the off-season to be incredibly fit and incredibly ready.
“Nike always wants to make an incredibly strong, powerful statement for moms that are trying to get back and get fit. That was basically it for me.” She added.
ICYMI: After warming-up in a black raincoat, @serenawilliams reveals her 2019 #AusOpen outfit: a jade green jumpsuit complete with fishnet stockings. pic.twitter.com/byTyB4n8AG
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2019
Describing her latest attire as a ‘Serena-tard,’ there is a more practical reason behind it. In her match she was wearing compression shorts for health reasons. Williams has previously suffered from thrombosis. A condition where a blood clot forms inside the blood vessel, which blocks the flow of blood. She once said she was left on her ‘death bed’ in 2010 and recently encountered a series of heath issues during and shortly after the birth of her daughter in September 2017.
“I’m Definitely still concerned. I have had some issues, and they’re not done.” She explained. “So it’s just something I just have to do for pretty much probably the rest of my career, we’ll see. But I’m always at the doctors.
“With DVTs, it’s very scary. I know a lot of people — they’re very common. A lot of people have them. Especially for me, it’s incredibly frightening. I lay on the side of precaution as opposed to not.”
On the court, Williams made a stellar return to Melbourne Park with a clinical 50-minute 6-0, 6-2, win over Germany’s Tatjana Maria. The dominant performance saw her drop just five points behind her serve as she hit 22 winners.
Awaiting her in the next round will be Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard, who defeated Peng Shuai 6-2, 6-1. Williams has a 2-1 head-to-head record against Bouchard (counting the Hopman Cup). However, they last played against each other back in 2015.
“It will be a great match. She plays really well.” Williams previewed.
“She does everything well, and I really like that she doesn’t quit. People write her off, and she doesn’t let that bother her. She continues to fight and do what she needs to do. I think that’s really not good.”
This year Williams, who is already a seven-time Australian Open champion, is bidding to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles.
