Serena Williams has officially confirmed her return to the tennis court after nearly four years away from the professional circuit. The legendary athlete, who holds 23 Grand Slam titles, recently addressed the anticipation surrounding her comeback by verifying her plans to compete in doubles at the Queen’s Club Championships. Throughout her unparalleled three-decade career, Williams has done more than just dominate the sport; she has utilized the court as a platform for activism and a runway for groundbreaking style. As the world prepares for her return, we look back at some of the most influential kits that defined her legacy as a fashion icon in the world of sports.
The Celestial Sparkle of the 2022 US Open
For what many considered a career-defining moment, Williams collaborated with Nike’s lead apparel designer, Carly Ellis, to create a kit that was as brilliant as her career. The 2022 US Open dress featured a deep black palette with sophisticated sheer fabric across the neckline and sleeves. Heavily embellished with crystals, the garment showcased a star motif that Williams mirrored by weaving jewels into her hair. The ensemble was completed with a tiered, pleated skirt and custom Nike sneakers prominently featuring her initials, blending high-performance athletic wear with gala-worthy glamour.
Honoring a Legend: The 2021 Australian Open Catsuit
At the 2021 Australian Open, Williams turned heads with a bold, asymmetrical catsuit that served as a direct tribute to track and field icon Florence Griffith Joyner, affectionately known as Flo-Jo. The striking pink and black ensemble featured a unique one-legged silhouette, combining a full-length legging on one side with a thigh-high hemline on the other. This look highlighted Williams’ ability to draw inspiration from other legendary Black female athletes while pushing the boundaries of traditional tennis attire.
Virgil Abloh’s “Queen” Collection at the 2018 US Open
The 2018 US Open saw a historic intersection of high fashion and sport when Williams wore custom designs by the late Virgil Abloh for Off-White. The collaboration produced a series of avant-garde outfits, most notably a one-shouldered dress featuring a dramatic tulle tutu skirt in shades of black and blue. By incorporating asymmetrical sleeves and streetwear-inspired aesthetics, Abloh and Williams successfully brought a couture sensibility to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Functional Innovation: The 2018 French Open Catsuit
Williams’ 2018 French Open attire was as much about health and recovery as it was about style. Working with Nike, she donned a sleek, black, short-sleeved catsuit designed with specialized compression material. This technical choice was vital for the athlete’s health, helping to regulate blood circulation and prevent clots following the medical complications she experienced after giving birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. The outfit became a symbol of the strength and resilience of mother-athletes everywhere.
Wild Style: The 2014 US Open Leopard Print
Embracing a more playful and fierce aesthetic, Williams opted for a vibrant pink leopard print Nike kit during the 2014 US Open. The sleeveless dress featured a classic scoop neckline and a form-fitting bodice that transitioned into a flowing skirt designed for maximum mobility on the court. To complete the monochromatic “wild” look, her footwear included matching pops of pink, proving that high-octane prints have a place in professional competitive sports.
Revolutionizing the Court: The 2004 US Open Denim Look
One of the most rebellious moments in tennis fashion history occurred in 2004 when Williams debuted a denim-inspired kit. Co-designed with Nike, the outfit included a pleated denim mini-skirt paired with a crystal-studded black tank top. Perhaps the most daring element was the custom calf-high sneaker boots. The look drew inspiration from Andre Agassi’s iconic 1989 denim shorts, but Williams updated the concept with a modern, feminine edge that remains a favorite among fashion historians today.
Serena Williams has consistently used her global platform to challenge the status quo, proving that elite athleticism and bold self-expression are not mutually exclusive. From functional compression gear to avant-garde tutus and denim skirts, her on-court wardrobe has mirrored her evolution as an athlete, a mother, and a business mogul. As she returns to competition, her fashion legacy continues to inspire a new generation of players to bring their full, authentic selves to the game.
