7 times Serena Williams used fashion to destroy tennis elitism

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Serena Williams has been killing it on the tennis court since the mid-90s. While the sports star is considered a fashion icon today, the tennis world wasn’t always so kind during her career. Williams has faced sexism, racism and criticism for everything from her hair to her clothing choices for decades.

Despite this pressure, Williams has always been fearless and powerful on and off the court. Her fashion choices follow suit, incorporating bold colors and edgier aesthetics. This boldly flies in the face of the “tennis whites” tradition of wearing white only on court.

Additionally, the sport itself is predominantly comprised of white players. Williams made waves just by being a black woman in the sport. It elevated an often forgotten sport from the mainstream and brought in a new fan base. Williams also brought attention to the rigid elitism of the tennis world, opening the door for young black women to explore a once exclusionary sport.

27 years after her first professional match, Williams has skyrocketed into a global icon. Indeed, she is an inspiration to athletes, mothers and wives alike. And honestly, no one has ever broken records and made tennis history look this good.

Serena stuns on the tennis courts

(Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

First up is Serena’s infamous costume. While the look is stunning, Williams wore this bodysuit at the 2018 French Open for health reasons. The tennis star has a history of blood clots and had developed a pulmonary embolism after the birth of her daughter, Olympia. The body encouraged blood flow during her matches.

Despite this, the French Tennis Federation banned the suit. In an interview with Tennis Magazine, said the president of the federation Bernard Giudicelli, “you have to respect the game and the country”. But considering Williams’ long-standing commitment to the game, these comments seem transparently elitist.

Serena Williams wearing "the boots" at the 2004 US Open
(A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

In 2004, Serena warmed up wearing knee-high “boots” and easy-to-move-in shorts at the US Open. However, she was not allowed to wear shoes during matches.

Serena Williams in a pink and white Nike dress at the 2016 US Open.
(Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images)

In a pink and white Nike dress at the US Open in 2016, Serena showed her love for bright colors. The pleated dress was accented by pink ribbons and tennis shoes. This was her “day” look. During her evening matches, she rocked a black dress with pink pleats.

Serena Williams in a leather jacket and a white zippered skirt at the 2018 US Open.
(Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Williams’ 2018 US Open outfit is the perfect combination of elegant and edgy, just like the athlete herself. Williams wore a custom-made Nike leather jacket, lavender tutu and headband to hold her curls in place.

Serena Williams in a green ensemble at the 2021 French Open.
(Anne-Christine Poujoulat/Getty Images)

We love everything about this outfit! Williams wore this all-green ensemble to the French Open in 2021. Not only does the color look amazing against her skin tone, but it also pays homage to the Roland Garros stadium and her daughter. From the sneakers to her cropped jacket, we think this outfit is boss kiss perfection.

Serena Williams in a colorful jumpsuit at the 2021 Australian Open.
(Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Williams paid tribute to track star and black friend Flo-Jo (Florence Griffith Joyner) in this asymmetrical color-blocked suit from Nike. She wore this eye-catching ensemble at the 2021 Australian Open, where she won her third-round match against Russia’s Anastasia Potapova.

Serena Williams in leggings and an active dress at the 2022 Rothesay International Eastbourne tournament.
(Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)

In addition to her love of bright colors and feminine silhouettes, Williams also rocked some gorgeous models. At the 2022 Rothesay International Eastbourne tournament, Williams wore black knee-high leggings and an abstract print Nike dress. She won the doubles match alongside Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur.

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