Serena Williams showed off her impressive tennis skills and wild fashion sense on Tuesday as she hit the court at the Australian Open in a skin-tight body suit and fishnet stockings.
The former world number one was certainly not shy with her outfit choice, looking full of confidence in the clinging green number for her first match of the tournament in Melbourne.
With her hair pulled back off her face into a tight ponytail, the tennis great was completely at ease while facing Germany’s Tatjana Maria.
Although most opt to avoid tights in the hot Australian weather, the mother-of-one made a bold statement with fishnet stockings and white nail polish to match with the outfit.
The outfit sparked plenty of attention on social media with many fans praising her unflinching style and colourful getup.
Taking to Twitter to share their view one person wrote: “Serena Williams looks absolutely fire in this outfit. Serving your curves for days,” someone commented on Twitter.
While a second said: “Not only is she one of the greatest tennis players on the court, but Serena Williams seriously SLAYS on the court with her outfits! Always looking amazing”.
Of course there were a few negative comments, with some branding her attire a fashion fail.
“Serena has all the money in the world and can NEVER wear suitable tennis clothing. Another FAIL outfit!”
The current world number 16 has been questioned over her outfits previously, most recently for her black catsuit worn at the French Open last year.
The risqué outfit sparked a furore within the tennis community and led to players being banned from wearing such outfits in the future, as it is deemed not conservative enough for the tournament. The 23 grand slam winner spoke out following the announcement, claiming it was designed to help prevent blood clots, a condition she suffered with following the birth of her daughter Olympia.
Despite the backlash over this year’s outfit, Williams beat her opponent Maria with flying colours on Tuesday, winning 6-0, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena.
The talented tennis star, who opted out of the Australian Open last year, was clearly pleased to be back on court in the land down under, reflecting on her times in Australia post match, including her famous 2017 win, when she claimed victory while pregnant with her daughter.
“It’s kind of weird walking back on by myself this time, but it feels good,” the ABC reported Williams said after the win.
“I have so many good memories of the last time I was here. Honestly, it was the best win (2017) of my career. It’s exciting to get back.”