Serena Williams storms into the third round of the Australian Open wearing a VERY unique outfit – as she reveals the powerful inspiration behind the catsuit
- Serena Williams made jaw-dropping entrance at the Australian Open with outfit
- She won the second round against Serbian Nina Stojanovic on Wednesday
- Following win, Williams revealed the powerful inspiration behind striking catsuit
- She said late American sprinter Florence Griffith inspired her to done the outfit
Serena Williams has continued to turn heads with her unique one-legged catsuit at the Australian Open.
The Number 10 seed smashed Serbian Nina Stojanovic in the second round match-up 6-3 6-0 while wearing the striking outfit on Wednesday.
Following her win, Williams revealed the inspiration behind the colourful catsuit was from the late Florence Griffith, the American sprinter who set world records and later died aged 38.
Serena Williams of the United States of America plays a backhand in her Women’s Singles second round match against against Nina Stojanovic of Serbia
Williams’ eye-catching outfit on the third day of the Australian Open was inspired by the late world and Olympic athletics champion Florence Griffith-Joyner (pictured)
‘I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete, when I was growing up,’ she said.
Griffith, who died in 1998 after suffering a severe epileptic seizure in her sleep, would occasionally wear one-legged suits during her races.
‘Watching her fashion, just always changing. Her outfits were always amazing,’ Williams continued.
‘This year we thought of what can we do to keep elevating the Serena Williams on the court.
‘The Nike team actually thought of this design of inspiration from Flo-Jo. I was like, ”Oh, my God, this is so brilliant”.
‘That’s where we started. Obviously we made some changes and tweaks to it. It became this.’
‘I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete, when I was growing up,’ Williams said
The eye-catching outfit however caused a stir on social media, with tennis fans divided on the bold choice.
‘Serena Williams just casually unveiled a one-legged jumpsuit,’ wrote one tennis fan.
‘While all those other suckers are wearing the same Nike uniform, Serena goes bespoke,’ added another.
‘Love this suit. She is definitely getting back to her peak physical form,’ wrote a third.
The 39-year-old’s brightly coloured one-legged catsuit caused a stir on social media
Others were not so sure of the outfit.
‘Good job they pay her well, that’s atrocious,’ one Twitter user commented.
‘This looks mad uncomfortable, especially in Melbourne’s heat,’ another shared.
‘This was a good start – vintage ‘Rena,’ Williams said in the post-match interview.
‘I think I’m pretty good at pacing myself at a grand slam.’
Serena Williams of the US and Serbia’s Nina Stojanovic after the second round match
Stojanovic had her moments, in the first set, before being inevitably overpowered by the Williams in 69 minutes.
The 24-year-old Serb had claimed her maiden win at a major two days earlier against Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu.
‘She pushed me really hard and played really well honestly throughout the whole match,’ Williams said.
‘I had to really fight for all the games.
‘It’s always good to see young players like her come out and do so well – it’s exciting for women’s tennis.’
Four years after beating older sister Venus in the 2017 final at Melbourne Park for her 23rd grand slam singles title, Williams remains one short of Margaret Court’s Open era record of 24.
Williams’ third-round opponent will be Russian teen Anastasia Potapova, who ousted Hungarian qualifier Timea Babos 6-2 6-4 earlier on Wednesday.
Williams and Potapova also met in the opening round last year at Melbourne Park, with the American emerging victorious 6-0 6-3.
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