The French Open courted controversy in August last year, when it banned Serena Williams from wearing her catsuit at this year’s tournament.
And on Tuesday at the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne, the American tennis champion had a defiant message for her critics when she stepped out onto the court in a figure-hugging green Nike bodysuit and fishnet stockings.
The 37-year-old’s custom-made ensemble sparked something of a firestorm on Twitter, with many people praising her for her fashion-forward look, while others criticized her for flouting traditions that still influence what is considered appropriate on-court attire.
Eye-catching fashion: Serena Williams, 37, caused mixed reactions as she sported a revealing green Lycra jumpsuit at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday
Body-hugging: In the match she won against Germany’s Tatjana Maria, the 23-time Grand Slam winner took to centre court in the sleeveless green lycra jumpsuit by Nike
Design: The jumpsuit featured black and white panels across the bust and waist
The mother-of-one’s body-hugging attire caused mixed reactions, with some loving the look and others finding it ‘distasteful’.
In her first-round victory over Germany’s Tatjana Maria, Serena took to centre court in a sleeveless green Lycra jumpsuit featuring black and white panels across the bust and waist, the hemline finished at mid-thigh, revealing every contour of her figure.
A peephole design at the back added a touch of flair to the on-court look.
Ms Williams accessorised with fishnets, black sneakers and tied her locks into a tight high ponytail.
Viewers flocked to Twitter to comment on her eye-catching ensemble, with the majority on the positive side.
Skimpy: The hemline finished at mid-thigh, revealing her fit and toned figure
Online: Viewers flocked to Twitter to comment on the sports star’s eye-catching ensemble, with the majority on the positive side
One wrote: with: ‘I’m living for Serena Williams outfit that she is wearing for the Aus Open today. So fab’
Impressed: ‘Green is my favourite colour,’ another posted
Attention-grabbing: ‘That outfit is bangin!!!’ one fan also shared
‘Loving @serenawilliams outfit. She’s giving me #AussieRules meets SuperHero. Stunning. Feisty. A winner,’ wrote one.
Another followed with: ‘I’m living for Serena Williams outfit that she is wearing for the Aus Open today. So fab.’
‘That outfit is bangin!!! And perfect for the weather!!’ one also said.
Hilarious: One fan hilariously posted: ‘Serena Williams in this green jumpsuit is redirecting the blood flow from my brain to other parts of my anatomy’
Online chatter: One viewer questioned how easy it would be for Ms Williams to take the jumpsuit off
Vocal: One viewer considered the attire to be distasteful
Comical: Another referenced the children’s TV program the Power Rangers
However not all comments were positive, with one posting: ‘Serena, you can’t wear this on a tennis court!’
Another wrote: ‘Looking like the green Power Ranger.’
Ms Williams, who is known for her bold and risqué tennis attire, made headlines in August last year, when the French Open banned her from wearing her black catsuit at this year’s tournament.
Controversy: Ms Williams made headlines in August last year, when the French Open banned her from wearing her black catsuit at this year’s tournament
President Bernard Giudicelli said in the 500th issue of Tennis Magazine that stricter rules will be in place as ‘sometimes we go too far.’
Referring to Ms Williams’ black catsuit, which she wore to the tournament last year, Mr Giudicelli said: ‘It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place.’
In defence, Ms Williams said the skin-tight outfit helps with preventing blood-clots, a condition she has covered in depth in her HBO series, Being Serena.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner’s sponsor Nike, also spoke out, sharing a photo to social media of Ms Williams in the outfit, along with the caption: ‘You can take the superhero out of her costume, but you can’t take away her superpowers.’