Nike Responds to the French Open Banning Serena Williams’ Custom Catsuit
“You can never take away her superpowers.”
The US Open is currently in full swing, and of course, Serena Williams is one of the biggest names to watch. The tennis star has been competing in a custom-made catsuit by sportswear giant Nike, which she’s been wearing since the birth of her daughter to prevent blood clots. “I feel like a warrior in it, like a warrior princess kind of, [a] queen from Wakanda. I’m always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it’s kind of my way of being a superhero. I feel like a superhero when I wear it,” Williams said regarding the custom outfit.
This weekend, news broke that the suit would be banned from the upcoming French Open, established by French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli who said, “I think that sometimes we’ve gone too far.” He continued, referring to Williams’ black catsuit, “It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place.” Following the announcement, the Swoosh responded on Twitter with a black-and-white photo of Serena Williams, with “You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can never take away her superpowers” emblazoned on top.
Since the announcement, Williams has also responded to the ban saying, “When it comes to fashion, you don’t want to be a repeat offender.” She continued, “I think that obviously the Grand Slams have a right to do what they want to do. I feel like if and when, or if they know that some things are for health reasons, then there’s no way that they wouldn’t be OK with it. So I think it’s fine.”
The French Open is set to take place between May 26 and June 9, with Williams competing throughout. Stay tuned for more news, and while you’re at it, get a closer look at Serena Williams’ upcoming “QUEEN” collaboration with Nike and Virgil Abloh.
