As the news of Serena Williamsmaking her grand return to tennis continues to make waves online, we thought it would be a great time to revisit some of her most fabulous tennis looks from over the years.
While Naomi Osaka is doing a stellar job of merging fashion with her amazing talent and has elevated the tennis ensembles to new heights, don’t forget Williams knew how to step out in a sporty chic fit, too.
So, in anticipation of her first game at the WTA 500 Queen’s Club in a week, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane and look back on her most memorable outfits on the court!
The Sparkly Black Tutu
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 29: Serena Williams of the United States reacts to a point against Danka Kovinic of Montenegro during the Women’s Singles First Round on Day One of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
We’re starting off strong with this black, frilly look at the 2022 US Open, giving every bit of strong and feminine!
The Lavender Look
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 29: Serena Williams of the United States celebrates victory following her women’s singles second round match against Carina Witthoeft of Germany on Day Three of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2018 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
In 2018, Williams decided to take a dip in the lavender pool at the US Open, and we’re so happy that she did!
The Famous (or Infamous) Catsuit
PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 29: Serena Williams of The United States of America in action during her women’s singles first round match against Kristyna Pliskova of Czech Republic during day 3 of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on May 29, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)
The 2018 French Open was memorable for more than one reason due to the media firestorm that ensued when Williams popped out in this all-black “catsuit.” Why people were so upset, we’ll never know. But we do know that this is a serve!
Black Denim Ensemble
NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 3: Serena Williams warms up prior to her match against Tatiana Golovin of France during the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on September 3, 2004 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Sticking with the all-black agenda, Williams came through with this buttoned-down, sleeveless Nike dress, which was way ahead of our time fashion-wise, honestly! This is a piece we’d rock today; Nike might need to run this back!
Banging Black Body Suit
FLUSHING, NY – SEPTEMBER 3: Serena Williams adjusts her racquet while playing Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia during the US Open September 3, 2002 at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, New York. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Can we just get a round of applause for this fitted, short bodysuit? And can we get another one for Williams’ physique in this picture? Whew, girl, drop us the routine!
Pink Pantheress at the US Open
NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 30: Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot against Varvara Lepchenko of the United States during their women’s singles third round match on Day Six of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Move over, “Pink Panther” (yes, we know panthers aren’t spotted, but go with us here), Serena Williams in this pink cheetah-print is taking it!
Power Color Red
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 05: Serena Williams of the United States celebrates winning her Women’s Singles third round match against Sloane Stephens of the United States on Day Six of the 2020 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 05, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
There’s something powerful about a woman in red. You just know she’s not there to play games. And neither was Williams at the 2020 US Open.
Pink + White, No Frank Ocean
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 05: Serena Williams of the United States celebrates her win over Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan during her fourth round Women’s Singles match on Day Eight of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 5, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
One of the things we loved about Williams (among many) is that she’s never afraid to put her feminine foot forward and dominate on the tennis court in a pink fit. Frank Ocean would be particularly proud of this one for sure (IYYK).
The Orange Cheetah Print
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 06: Serena Williams of the United States poses with the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy after winning the Women’s Singles Final against Lucie Safarova of Czech Repbulic on day fourteen of the 2015 French Open at Roland Garros on June 6, 2015 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
What’s better than one cheetah print fit? AN ORANGE ONE!
Pretty in Pink at the 2004 French Open
PARIS, France: Combo picture made 31 May 2004 shows US Serena Williams wearing different outfits during her first three matches at the French Open 2004 in Paris. AFP PHOTO JACK GUEZ (Photo credit should read JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Clearly, “Barbie” pink was on Williams’ mind during the 2004 French Open, and honestly, we think this is a trend that should come back! Let’s take over the streets with pink again, why not?
Looking Fierce in Black and White Cheetah Print
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 07: Serena Williams of the United States reacts in the second set against Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark during their women’s singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
You know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! It’s abundantly clear by the number of times Nike and Williams teamed up for some form of a patterned tennis fit—it’s a look that works every time!
Black and Pink Pleats at the 2016 US Open
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 08: Serena Williams of the United States reacts against Karolina Pliskova of the Czech Republic during her Women’s Singles Semifinal Match on Day Eleven of the 2016 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2016 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
You can take the pink away from the girl, but you can’t take the girl away from the pink! That’s exactly why Williams decided to bring some of it in her ensemble as a pop of unexpected color at the 2016 US Open.
Serena Being Seen in Green at the 2021 French Open
PARIS, FRANCE – JUNE 04: Serena Williams of USA celebrates after winning match point during her Women’s Singles third round match against Danielle Collins of USA on day six of the 2021 French Open at Roland Garros on June 04, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
“The Wiz” said it best: “You’ve got to be seen in green!” And judging by Williams’ lime green look here at the 2021 French Open, we’re sure all eyes will stay on her!
