French tennis chief calls time on Serena’s ‘catsuit’
30/08/2018
The outfit captured the attention of the watching public and media when Ms Williams stepped out on court wearing it in May. It was designed specifically for the tennis legend by sportswear manufacturer Nike.
At the time, Ms Williams said it serves to help her reduce the risk of blood clots, something she suffered with following the birth of her first child in 2017. She also revealed it made her feel “like a superhero”.
Speaking to specialist tennis media, Mr Giudicelli said a new dress code implemented by the French Open would forbid her from wearing it. “It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place,” he said.
In response, Ms Williams said the ban would not be a problem as she has found that compression shorts keep her blood circulating just as well as the catsuit.
She also joked: “When it comes to fashion, you don’t want to be a repeat offender.”
For its part, Nike backed its star athlete on social media, posting: “You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers.”
Serena Williams wore the ‘catsuit’ during this year’s French Open (credit: Nike).
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