Serena Williams made her triumphant return to tennis at the French Open on Tuesday, beating Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic in the first round with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-4. Williams' athleticism wasn't the only thing that caught the crowd's attention, however; fans were equally as excited by Williams' Nike bodysuit, which featured a hot pink waistband.
The skin-tight look was surprising to some fans, as it's a marked departure from the more traditional outfits worn by female tennis stars. Generally, women wear dresses or skirts on the court, though tennis player Anne White famously donned a white bodysuit in 1985 (as one Twitter user pointed out).
What was once a scandalous outfit is now, if not de rigueur, simply no big deal, thanks to fashion taste makers like Serena Williams. Well done @serenawilliams for your fashion tribute to Anne White and her 1985 Wimbledon outfit. pic.twitter.com/FCGONKXLA1May 29, 2018
Fans also likened Williams' unexpected tennis look to a superhero's suit (she is almost super human in the tennis world, after all), including Cat Woman, and gave her major fashion kudos online, which you can read ahead.
Serena Williams came to @rolandgarros dressed as a super hero and I am ALL ABOUT IT. pic.twitter.com/soSeKs3jb1May 29, 2018
Serena Williams et sa tenue CatWoman 😅#rg18 pic.twitter.com/XEW8kqejFnMay 29, 2018
I am absolutely living for Serena Williams' bodysuit. The queen has returned. 👑🎾 pic.twitter.com/xQ7JWQwYpZMay 29, 2018
The catsuit is back and it’s having my queen looking like a superhero! 🙌🏾 #slay @serenawilliams #FrenchOpen2018 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/PKYFNHMq5EMay 29, 2018
Remember when Serena Williams tweeted this picture back in 2011? The catsuit is back! #RG18 pic.twitter.com/xKdJzDUnigMay 29, 2018
The 2018 French Open marks the first major championship for Williams since she gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. in September. The tennis star is a three-time French Open champion, so here's hoping she crushes the tournament this time around—and does so in more fierce bodysuits.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.
-
Both Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively Appeared to Spoof the Kate Middleton Photoshop Scandal Over the Weekend
Yep, they went there.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Can Reformation Join You on Vacation?
The label is re-entering the swimwear chat just in time for summer.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince William Likely Feels "Guilty" for Not "Protecting" Princess Kate Amid Royal Drama, Expert Claims
Jennie Bond says William wants to avoid repeating history.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Meet the Designers Keeping the Art of Craftsmanship Alive
In today's murky fashion landscape of discourse and 'cores, to be a revolutionary is to tune out the chatter and focus on your design. Here, a vanguard group of designers who prioritize their skills above all else.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Exclusive: Rothy’s Designs Its First Wedge Sandal
The footwear brand just released its first wedge sandal.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Sherri McMullen Is the Oakland Boutique Owner Redefining Retail
From mentoring emerging brands to spotting the next big designer, we chat with the entrepreneur about everything from TikTok trends to the current state of the industry.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Emily Ratajkowsi Masters the Sophisticated Skin Reveal in a Plunging Dress and Peep-Toe Boots
Ever the style risk taker, EmRata wore a plunging dress that's one of her most daring looks to date.
By Melony Forcier Published
-
Colorful Cowboys and Celebs Galore: Pharrell William's Latest for Louis Vuitton Men's
A special shoutout goes to Williams' revamped Speedy bags.
By India Roby Published
-
This Under-the-Radar Jacket on Amazon Is My Newest Winter Obsession
And, no, it's not the "Amazon coat."
By Jaimie Potters Published
-
The Best Black T-Shirts to Buy In Bulk
Done right, the black tee is the most versatile item in your wardrobe.
By Taylor Ayers Published
-
30 Cozy and Covetable Blanket Scarves to Wrap Up In
It’s as cozy as can be.
By Sara Holzman Published