Serena Williams made a stellar return to the US Open on Monday, with a 6-4 6-0 first-round victory over Magda Linette.
While the 36-year-old’s dominate performance was nothing short of triumphant, almost all eyes were on her court outfit, and with good reason!
The 23-times Grand Slam winner stepped onto the court in a statement black tutu-inspired dress by Off White designer Virgil Abloh and Nike.
The mum-of-one stunned in the off-the-shoulder outfit which was perhaps symbolic of the recent commentary surrounding a black catsuit she wore during this year’s French Open.
French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said that Serena’s black skin-tight catsuit would not be tolerated at Roland Garros in the future because “you have to respect the game and the place”.
Serena – who is back on tour after suffering serious health complications after giving birth to her daughter Olympia – said she wore suit because it was “my way of being a superhero”.
Giudicelli’s comments were widely criticised, but Serena, ever the professional, did not appear fazed by what he had to say.
“We already talked. We have a great relationship,” Serena said of Giudicelli ahead of her US Open match.
She added with a laugh: “Everything is fine, guys.”
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She maybe a superhero on the court, but at her core, Serena is a mother that many can relate to.
Post-match Serena revealed she was feeling emotional after she had to leave for her match without saying goodbye to her daughter.
“It’s just a good feeling to be back out here. The first set was tight, not the easiest. Once I got settled I started to doing what I tried to do in practice. I think I’m getting there. I’ve been training so hard. This momma was a little emotional today,” she said.
Superheroes wear tutus too.