Serena Williams responds to catsuit ban at French Open at Australian Open: Tight bodysuit and fishnet stockings

Serena Williams responds to catsuit ban at French Open at Australian Open: Tight bodysuit and fishnet stockings

Beside being one of the all time greats in tennis, Serena Williams has played her part in revolutionalizing the attire worn by female players on court, for which she has received praise and crtitique in equal measures. Williams' choice of outfit was the center of controversy last year at the French Open when the tournament banned her catsuit. 

But that has not seemed to deter Williams, and on Tuesday at the Australian Open, she seemed to have quite a message to send to her critics with her sartorial choice during her first round match at the Grand Slam tournament.

The tennis star opted to wear a custom-made, green lycra jumpsuit by Nike along with a pair of fishnet stockings. And as before, the mother-of-one's outfit garnered mixed reactions, with some loving the look while others finding it 'distasteful'.

While most didn't have much to say on Williams comprehensive straight set trouncing (6-0, 6-2) of Germany's Tatjana Maria, they had quite a few opinions on her sleeveless lycra outfit, which had black and white panels across the bust and waist; a mid-thigh ending hemline; a peephole design at the back which added a touch of flair to the look. She accessorized the outfit with fishnets, black sneakers, and had also styled her hair into a tight ponytail.

Serena Williams at the Australian Open (Source: Getty Images)
Serena Williams at the Australian Open (Source: Getty Images)

Many of her fans and followers rushed to her defense and had only positive things to say. One fan wrote, "Loving @serenawilliams outfit. She's giving me #AussieRules meets SuperHero. Stunning. Feisty. A winner."

While another fan added, "I'm living for Serena Williams outfit that she is wearing for the Aus Open today. So fab." A third fan commented, "That outfit is bangin!!! And perfect for the weather!!"

But not all the comments she received were positive, and one fan wrote, "Serena, you can't wear this on a tennis court!" While another non-supporter added, "Looking like the green Power Ranger."

Serena Williams at the Australian Open (Source: Getty Images)
Serena Williams at the Australian Open (Source: Getty Images)

Serena has always been known as someone who makes a statement with her tennis attire and made headlines due to her catsuit outfit controversy last August. In the 500th issue of Tennis Magazine, President Bernard Giudicelli referred to her catsuit and said, "It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place." 

In Serena's defense, the outfit was specifically designed to help prevent blood clots which is a condition that she has spoken about a lot. She took to social media to share a photo of her in the outfit and said, "You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can't take away her superpowers." 

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 Serena Williams custom skin-tight bodysuit and fishnet stockings Australian Open green lycra