Serena Williams has defused a growing controversy over the “catsuit” she wore at the French Open in June, adding diplomatic skills to her rapidly growing resume as an athlete and role model.
“Everything’s fine, guys,” Williams said on Saturday morning at the US Open, explaining that she had already resolved the issue in a conversation with French Tennis Federation president, Bernard Giudicelli.
In an interview published recently in a French tennis magazine, the French official singled out the black, figure-hugging catsuit Williams wore as he revealed that the tournament would institute a dress code. “It will no longer be accepted,” Giudicelli said of the catsuit. “I think sometimes we’ve gone too far. One must respect the game and place.”
French Open Won't Allow Serena to Wear Catsuit in '19 https://t.co/Htv0GGWSBT
— SportsGossip.com (@sportsgossip) August 24, 2018
Hall of Famer Billie Jean King spoke her mind on Twitter.
The policing of women’s bodies must end. The “respect” that’s needed is for the exceptional talent @serenawilliams brings to the game. Criticizing what she wears to work is where the true disrespect lies. https://t.co/ioyP9VTCxM
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) August 25, 2018
The final Grand Slam event of the year begins Monday. No doubt Serena will bring her ‘A’ game with her outfit.
