Serena Williams makes light of French Open catsuit ban

Serena Williams catsuit

Serena Williams has taken French Open organisers’ decision to ban her catsuit in her stride.

French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli earlier this week announced that the superhero-inspired outfit that Williams wore at Roland Garros earlier this year would not be allowed in future.

“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 said.

“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 revealed during the French Open that she wore the outfit for health reasons as it helped to prevent blood clots.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner, though, laughed off the ban.

“When it comes to fashion, you don’t want to be a repeat offender,” she is quoted as saying by The Independent.

She added: “I wear tights that keep everything going with my blood, make sure that I’m staying pretty healthy out there.

As for suggestions that the announcement could have a negative impact on her relationship with Roland Garros officials, and Giudicelli in particular, the American insists everything is “fine”.

“He’s been so easy to talk to. My whole team is basically French, so, we have a wonderful relationship,” she said.

“I’m sure we would come to an understanding and everything will be OK. It wouldn’t be a big deal. 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.”

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