Serena Williams defied expectations yet again, this time with a bold fashion statement on the court at the French Open. Banned from wearing her signature catsuit last year, Williams returned with a vengeance, sporting a superhero-inspired ensemble designed by Virgil Abloh and Nike.

The black and white outfit, featuring empowering words like “Mother,” “Champion,” “Queen,” and “Goddess” in French, turned heads and sparked conversation. While the cape with these powerful inscriptions wasn’t worn during play, the overall message resonated clearly.

This defiance stemmed from the French Tennis Federation’s (FTF) rule change implemented after the 2018 tournament. Williams’ previous catsuit, worn for medical reasons following childbirth, was deemed too outlandish. The FTF, while not as strict as Wimbledon’s all-white policy, now enforces “certain limits” on player attire.

Williams, however, refused to be silenced. Her new outfit not only adhered to the new regulations (featuring a skirt and crop top combination) but also pushed boundaries with its vibrant pattern and empowering messaging. The outfit grabbed attention throughout the match, even as Williams shed layers during her warm-up routine.

The full ensemble, revealed on social media the day before, included a long skirt and a dramatic cape-style cover-up. Striking black and white photos showcased Williams modeling the complete outfit alongside designer Virgil Abloh and other models wearing Off-White x Nike designs.

This “superhero” attire seemed to empower Williams on the court, helping her overcome a sluggish start to secure a 2-6, 6-1, 6-0 victory over her opponent, Vitalia Diatchenko of Russia. Williams had expressed concerns about a left knee injury in recent months, withdrawing from tournaments to focus on rehabilitation.

The on-court battle wasn’t without its frustrations. During a mistake-filled first set, Williams displayed visible annoyance. However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion found her rhythm quickly, dominating the remaining sets.

While Williams’ outfit certainly stole the spotlight compared to her opponent’s monochrome attire, the broader message resonated more deeply. This wasn’t just about fashion; it was about a woman reclaiming her space and defying limitations.

The collaboration between Williams and Abloh isn’t new. They previously teamed up on her tutu look for the 2018 US Open, another outfit that challenged traditional tennis attire.

Following the match, Williams’ relief was evident, having avoided a potential upset – only her second first-round loss at a Grand Slam tournament (after losing to Virginie Razzano at Roland Garros in 2012).

Serena Williams’ French Open return wasn’t just about the win; it was a powerful statement about resilience, self-belief, and defying expectations. With her superhero-inspired outfit, she proved that fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment, both on and off the court.