Serena Williams' Catsuit Was Banned At The French Open, Even Though It Prevented Her From Getting Blood Clots
During the 2018 French Open, Serena Williams stepped out onto the court in an powerful skin-tight black cat suit, that wowed fans everywhere. The suit was an iconic look for the athlete's first tournament back since giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia last summer.
Apart from simply looking fierce, the suit, which was designed specifically for Williams by Nike, served a medical purpose. Williams returned to the court for the 2018 French Open after a life-threatening delivery to her baby girl, during which she suffered from blood clots. According to the Guardian, the cat suit was engineered to prevent further blood clots while she played tennis.
But it was fierce and iconic even without it being medically necessary. Williams told USA Today that the single red stripe around the waist was meant to represent "all the moms out there that had a tough pregnancy and have to come back and try to be fierce, in the middle of everything."
While it seemed like everyone was on board, the president of the French Tennis Federation had other things to say.
In an interview with Tennis magazine's 500th edition, Bernard Giudicelli singled out the cat suit as "going to far"
"it will no longer be accepted," Giudicelli said. "One must respect the game and the place."
Sure. Because Williams wearing a suit that was medically necessary for her and made her feel like a superhero is clearly disrespecting the game. Nevermind disrespecting women's ability to choose what will go on their own bodies. Let's face it: this was nothing more than yet another incident where a man decides what is appropriate for a woman to wear. What was it, too difficult to focus on the actual game of tennis?
We aren't the only ones to be completely appalled at the news of the cat suit ban. Twitter had a thing or two to say, as well.
The way this woman's body scares ppl, my god https://t.co/xkqBqehehC
— Kaitlyn Greenidge (@surlybassey) August 24, 2018
Just ridiculous. Serena has done nothing BUT respect the game. Serena Williams is almost always singled out in tennis. This comes down to what they feel is “acceptable” on a tennis court. It’s not her job to make you feel comfortable.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) August 24, 2018
Also, the suit helps her combat blood clots. https://t.co/gR2XqJLi3j
Serena Williams, who wore an outfit specifically designed to help prevent blood clots because she almost *died* after giving birth, won't be able to wear her catsuit again at the French Open because the tournament chief...doesn't like it.
— Rafi (@RafiDAngelo) August 24, 2018
That's literally the only reason. https://t.co/TiLo8JcSJj
The French Open will now prohibit Serena Williams from wearing her black catsuit, which, you know, helped protect against her past bouts with blood clots and inspire after a tough pregnancy.
— Joseph Gray (@MoneyGray) August 24, 2018
I don’t get this thing of Serena’s catsuit being deemed inappropriate for the French Open. All the women in professional tennis wear tiny, “revealing” clothes but the catsuit is inappropriate? You absolutely cannot convince me that this is anything other than misogynoir.
— Stormi Outsold (@THISisLULE) August 24, 2018
I am asking my job for a week off so I can go fight the entire French Open
— Dad (@fivefifths) August 24, 2018
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
Recently, Williams spoke out about the incident clearing the air of any ill feelings between her and the French Tennis Federation's president.
"We have a great relationship," Williams explained. "Everything's fine, guys."
Well, good for you girl. As for us, we still kinda wanna kick him where the sun don't shine.
"respect the game"
— Dad (@fivefifths) August 24, 2018
respect these hands imo
