Serena Williams' Iconic Catsuit Is Banned from Future French Opens
She wore the one-piece for health reasons.

Back in May, Serena Williams made her grand return to tennis at the French Open and wore a catsuit both her and her fans dubbed the "superhero" outfit. "I feel like a warrior in it, a warrior princess...from Wakanda, maybe," she said in an interview. "I've always wanted to be a superhero, and it's kind of my way of being a superhero."
The black-and-pink Nike bodysuit was a hit with the internet and Williams herself posted a photo with the caption, "Catsuit anyone? For all the moms out there who had a tough recovery from pregnancy—here you go. If I can do it, so can you. Love you all!!" The catsuit became a symbol of strength and resilience.
For those who couldn't wait to see her in the look again, however, that wish has ended. According to The French Tennis Federation president, Bernard Giudicelli, the one-piece is now banned from future tournaments.
In an interview for Tennis Magazine's 500th edition, Giudicelli called out Williams' catsuit and said, "I think that sometimes we’ve gone too far. It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place." He mentioned the rules won't be "as strict" compared to Wimbledon's, which require players to wear white.
This was the catsuit Serena wore at the 2018 French Open:
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)
A photo posted by on
Aside from the catsuit looking cool, it had a functional purpose. Williams suffered blood clots in her lungs after giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, and revealed she nearly died from the experience. "I've had a lot of problems with my blood clots, God I don't know how many I've had in the past 12 months," she said in an interview. "I've been wearing pants in general a lot when I play so I can keep the blood circulation going."
So the question now is, with the catsuit banned, will Williams still be able to wear pants? And why did Giudicelli single out the tennis pro (she's a three time French Open winner) in his interview?
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Williams herself has called out discrimination in the past. (She said she was being drug tested the most.) Thus, I'm wondering...what are her thoughts on this new "rule?"
...and it’s that time of the day to get “randomly” drug tested and only test Serena. Out of all the players it’s been proven I’m the one getting tested the most. Discrimination? I think so. At least I’ll be keeping the sport clean #StayPositiveJuly 25, 2018
But I’m ready to do whatever it takes to have a clean sport so bring it on. I’m excited.July 25, 2018
RELATED STORIES
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at Marie Claire, 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 now the Senior Commerce Editor at House Beautiful, where she owns coverage on deals and sales across home decor and accessories, in-depth product reviews on furniture and appliances, as well as news around new product launches since 2023. With help from leading designers and tastemakers, Marina spotlights quality products while tracking current design trends, a skill she’s mastered over six years in fashion media. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, beginning her career in narrative-driven commerce coverage as an editorial assistant at PopSugar.
-
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Wedding Photographer Reveals Unseen Photo
Somebody had to call in the bribes.
-
Rihanna Arrives Fashionably Late at Cannes
Emphasis on the word "fashionable."
-
Prince William and Princess Kate are "Careful Not to Overwhelm" Future King Prince George
"I think what they're trying to achieve is that he's relaxed in that sort of situation."
-
Bella Hadid Suits Up in an Archival Pinstripe Work Dress and Kitten Heels
The supermodel put her own spin on the work wardrobe.
-
Amal Clooney's Archival John Galliano for Christian Dior Gown Teases the Strict Cannes Film Festival Dress Code
Her surprise solo appearance on the red carpet—and sumptuous train—captured everyone's attention.
-
Every Fashion Editor I Know Is Shopping Zara's Supermodel-Backed 50th Anniversary Collection
It's a one-stop shop for elevated wardrobe basics.
-
Gigi Hadid’s Post-Met Gala Recovery Outfit Includes $485 Sweatpants and Comfy Ballet Flats
The model swapped her Miu Miu gown for comfort instead.
-
Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber Style the Same Summer Shoe Trend in Polar-Opposite Outfits
But both pairs were over $1,000, of course.
-
The Summer 2025 Shoe Trends Stylish Women Will All Wear in Two Months
Get a head start.
-
Serena Williams Subverts Old Hollywood Style in a Cut-Out Stella McCartney Dress and Diamond Choker
The dress is modern, but the accessories are vintage glam.
-
I’m Choosing These Retro Sneakers Over Every Other Shoe Trend
Footwear designers are on a vintage kick, and I'm all for it.