Why Serena Williams banned from wearing catsuit unveiled

Serena Williams will not be allowed to wear her “Blank Panther” inspired catsuit at the French Open in future. The 23-time Grand Slam champion made her return to Grand Slam tennis following the birth of her first child last year and wore the eye-catching outfit, inspired from the Marvel Comics film, at Roland Garros.

Williams, who said she felt like a “warrior princess” in the outfit, insisted it was not a fashion statement but to help prevent blood clots. However, French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli has ruled out it being allowed in the future.

“I believe we have sometimes gone too far. Serena’s outfit this year, for example, would no longer be accepted.
French Open president Bernard Giudicelli

“It’s a bit late because the collections are already designed but we are going to nonetheless ask the manufacturers to let us know what is coming,” Giudicelli told France’s Tennis Magazine.

“I believe we have sometimes gone too far. Serena’s outfit this year, for example, would no longer be accepted. You have to respect the game and the place.”

Williams, who topped Forbes’ list of highest paid female athletes earlier this week, said in May she believed the outfit sent a message of strength to women around the world.

“It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically, with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves,” Williams said.

“I definitely feel like it is an opportunity for me to inspire a whole different group of amazing women and kids.”

Williams will begin her bid for a seventh US Open title at Flushing Meadows against Magda Linette in the first round.