Serena Williams Has the Most Epic Response to the French Open's Catsuit Ban
Serena Williams, greatest athlete of our time, has finally spoken about French Tennis Federation’s recently announced ban against the Nike catsuit she wore to compete in the French Open in May 2018.
Williams’ catsuit for the tournament, her first after giving birth to her daughter last year, had a specific purpose: It was engineered to prevent blood clots, which Williams had experienced during her pregnancy. The catsuit was also a hit with fans online, who called it her “superhero suit.” However, the French Tennis Federation’s president recently announced that outfits like Williams’ catsuit would “not be accepted” at the event beginning in 2019.
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When asked at a recent press conference what she thought of the recent changes to the dress code, which targeted her catsuit as “too far,” ESPN reported that Williams had a legendary response.
“When it comes to fashion, you don’t want to be a repeat offender,” Williams deadpanned.
It sounded like Williams is taking the news in stride—and the ban won’t stop her from wearing clothes that address her health needs (while looking incredible) on the court. When asked how she would approach future outfits, she said that she’s “found other methods” to prevent the blood clots she experiences.
Williams also put any rumors of beef with the French Tennis Federation’s president to rest: “We have a great relationship,” she explained. “Everything’s fine, guys.”
Watch her entire exchange with reporters, below.
Before Williams had shared her thoughts on the debacle, Nike came to her defense with a tweet of its own. “You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers,” the brand tweeted on Saturday.
So, by the way, did tennis legend Billie Jean King. “The policing of women’s bodies must end,” she tweeted on Saturday. “The ‘respect’ that’s needed is for the exceptional talent @serenawilliams brings to the game. Criticizing what she wears to work is where the true disrespect lies.”
https://twitter.com/BillieJeanKing/status/1033377436694728704
There you have it. Williams has served the last word—and we’re sure she’ll be hitting the court in even more epic attire soon.
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