Serena Williams has officially confirmed her highly anticipated return to professional tennis. After nearly four years away from the game, the 23-time Grand Slam champion addressed the growing speculation by announcing her plans to compete in the doubles draw at the Queen’s Club Championships, scheduled to begin on June 8.
Throughout a career spanning three decades, Williams has done more than just dominate the rankings; she has consistently utilized her platform to champion activism and redefine athletic aesthetics. Her presence on the court has often served as a runway for groundbreaking designs that challenge traditional sporting attire. To celebrate her return to competition, we look back at some of the most iconic and influential kits that have defined her legacy as a fashion powerhouse.
The Galaxy-Inspired Gown: 2022 US Open
For the 2022 US Open, Williams worked closely with Nike’s lead apparel designer, Carly Ellis, to create a look that was as brilliant as her career. The ensemble featured a deep black tennis dress constructed with delicate sheer fabric across the neckline and sleeves. Intricate sparkle embellishments formed a star-like motif, which Williams complemented by weaving crystals into her hair. The design was finished with a tiered, pleated skirt and custom Nike footwear adorned with her initials, blending high-performance functionality with red-carpet glamour.
The Flo-Jo Tribute: 2021 Australian Open
At the 2021 Australian Open, Williams turned heads in a bold, asymmetrical catsuit that paid homage to the legendary track and field icon, Florence Griffith Joyner. The striking pink and black ensemble featured a unique “one-legged” silhouette—one side offered a full-length legging while the other transitioned into a thigh-high hemline. This look celebrated the legacy of “Flo-Jo” while highlighting Williams’ own penchant for daring, non-traditional athletic wear.
Couture on Court: 2018 US Open
The 2018 US Open saw a historic collaboration between Williams and the late Virgil Abloh. Wearing custom pieces from Abloh’s Off-White label, she stepped onto the court in a series of “Queen” kits that merged balletic grace with athletic power. The designs featured one-shoulder silhouettes and dramatic tulle tutu skirts in shades of black and blue. These asymmetrical kits remains some of the most talked-about moments in tennis fashion history, bridging the gap between the luxury runway and the grand slam stage.
Performance and Protection: 2018 French Open
Williams’ attire at the 2018 French Open was both a stylistic statement and a medical necessity. She collaborated with Nike on a sleek, short-sleeved black catsuit made from specialized compression material. This “superhero” suit was engineered to improve blood circulation and help prevent blood clots, a health concern Williams faced following the birth of her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., in late 2017. The outfit stood as a symbol of her resilience and her triumphant return to motherhood and sport.
Fierce Prints: 2014 US Open
Embracing a more vibrant aesthetic, Williams opted for a pink leopard-print Nike kit during the 2014 US Open. The sleeveless dress featured a classic scoop neckline and a formfitting bodice that gave way to a fluid skirt, designed to allow for maximum range of motion during high-intensity rallies. To complete the monochromatic “wild” look, her Nike sneakers were accented with matching pops of pink, proving that high-energy prints have a place in professional athletics.
The Denim Revolution: 2004 US Open
One of the most rebellious looks in Williams’ wardrobe was her 2004 US Open kit, a collaboration with Nike that leaned heavily into streetwear influences. The outfit featured a pleated denim skirt paired with a crystal-studded black tank top. Perhaps the most daring element was her custom calf-high sneaker boots. The look drew direct inspiration from Andre Agassi’s iconic denim shorts from 1989, modernizing the “bad boy” of tennis aesthetic for a new generation of greatness.
The Lasting Impact of Serena Williams’ On-Court Style
Serena Williams’ return to the court is not just a win for tennis fans, but a significant moment for the fashion world. By consistently choosing outfits that balance medical needs, historical tributes, and high-fashion collaborations, she has transformed the tennis court into a space for self-expression and cultural commentary. As she prepares for the Queen’s Club Championships, her legacy as a trendsetter remains as powerful as her serve, reminding us that true champions never sacrifice their personal style for tradition.
