We wrote about the joy, awe, and excitement tennis fans and fans of #BlackGirlMagic felt when Serena Williams returned to the court after a long hiatus. Not only did she come back to the game after a terrifying birth experience with her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanaian Jr. — but she did so in style with a look that turned heads and even turned up a few noses.
Today, we’re learning of the impact of that skintight “Wakanda-inspired” jumpsuit the 36-year-old wore at Roland-Garros in May.
French Tennis Federation President, Bernard Giudicelli, called the look straight up disrespectful in a statement released today via Tennis Magazine.
“Serena’s outfit this year, for example, would no longer be accepted,” he said, citing a change in rules. “You have to respect the game and the place.”
French Open is changing its dress code, and the changes will prevent Serena from wearing her super hero suit. Reason given: “One must respect the game.” I am flabbergasted. https://t.co/t2Y5P3qfbx pic.twitter.com/VYYXyUXFvm
— Phillip Barnett (@regularbarnett) August 24, 2018
What is so disrespectful about a woman celebrating her body and the simple joy of being alive? The look was more than about just showing off her curves on the court — the one piece was made to prevent blood clots, a fact you’d think a sporting conference would take into consideration.
All in all, it was a proud moment for the tennis champ. Williams said her tough comeback was for “all the moms.” Sadly, it seems; no matter what we do, we’ll never be good enough. Even if being good enough means you’re the greatest tennis star walking the planet.
UPDATE: Check out Nike’s response:
You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers. #justdoit pic.twitter.com/dDB6D9nzaD
— Nike (@Nike) August 25, 2018
Well, that settles it. Continue to be great, Serena!
