We're all familiar with the fact that Serena Williams is an incredible human being. And at her momentous comeback at the French Open this week, the tennis superstar said that she even felt like a superhero, and it was all down to a black catsuit.
For her first grand slam match since giving birth to her daughter Alexis, Serena wore a black skintight bodysuit. The full-length suit was designed to protect against blood clots, which Serena has been struggling with over recent months. However, beyond the practicalities of what the bodysuit was able to do for her physically, Serena said that her 'Wakanda-inspired catsuit' also meant so much more.
'It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically, with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves', she explained after winning the match against Kristyna Pliskova on Tuesday. She added: 'I definitely feel like it is an opportunity for me to inspire a whole different group of amazing women and kids'.
Serena explained that she's recently been wearing trousers a lot when she plays to help her circulation, and having this suit has meant she's been able to play without any problems. Alongside this, though, she also referred to the record breaking Marvel film, Black Panther, in describing how wearing a suit like that on the court made her feel. 'I feel like a warrior wearing it, a queen from Wakanda', she said. 'We designed it way before the movie, but still, it kind of reminds me of that'.
She later shared a picture of herself in the suit on Twitter and with a special note to fellow mothers. Serena tweeted: 'Catsuit anyone? For all the moms out there who had a touch recovery from pregnancy - here you go. If I can do it, so can you. Love you all!!'.
Superhero status, confirmed.
MORE: Here Are Some Of Serena Williams' Most Inspirational Quotes
Serena Williams - Grazia
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'Luck has nothing to do with it, because I have spent many, many hours, countless hours, on the court working for my one moment in time, not knowing when it would come.'
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'People want more fit arms, but my arms are too fit. But I'm not complaining. They pay my bills.'
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'Everyone's dream can come true if you just stick to it and work hard.'
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'I'm not used to crying. It's a little difficult. All my life I've had to fight. It's just another fight I'm going to have to learn how to win, that's all. I'm just going to have to keep smiling.'
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'Tennis just a game, family is forever.'
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'I don't have regrets. I don't live in the past. I live in the present and learn not to make the same mistakes in the future.'
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'Venus told me the other day that champions don't get nervous in tight situations. That really helped me a lot. I decided I shouldn't get nervous and just do the best I can.'
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'I’m really exciting. I smile a lot, I win a lot, and I’m really sexy.'
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'I’ve had people look past me because the colour of my skin, I’ve had people overlook me because I was a woman, I’ve had critics say I [would] never win another Grand Slam when I was only at number seven - and here I stand today with 21 Grand Slam titles, and I’m still going...'
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'I've always considered myself the best and the top. I never considered that I was out of it.'
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