Categories: The French Open

French ban Serena’s black catsuit

Tougher dress code for Roland Garros next year

Serena Williams will be banned from wearing her black catsuit at the French Open next year as Roland Garros officials are set to introduce a tougher dress code for the tour.

Williams, who said back in May the outfit made her feel like a “superhero”, claimed the suit helped her cope with the issue of blood clots, after giving birth to her daughter.
Bur French officials were adamant saying “It will no longer be accepted”.

 “I believe we have sometimes gone too far. You have to respect the game and the place,” French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said.

Williams spoke to Giudicelli and said the decision was “not a big deal”.

“The Grand Slams have the right to do what they want to do,” she said.

“If they know that some things are for health reasons then there’s no way that they wouldn’t be OK with it.”

Giudicelli did not reveal the new rules but said they will not be as restrictive as at Wimbledon, where players must wear all-white outfits.

Williams wore the catsuit in each of the first three rounds but had to pull out of her fourth-round tie against Maria Sharapova because of injury.

She dedicated the outfit to new mothers and said it made her feel like a “queen from Wakanda” in reference to the Black Panther movie.

Williams will face Poland’s Magda Linette in the first round of the US Open tomorrow.

Peter Rowe

Recent Posts

US Open 2026 Women’s Day 2

Aryna Sabalenka began her quest for a third straight title at the US Open as…

10 hours ago

US Open 2026 Men’s Day 2

Carlos Alcaraz ended a four-and-a-half month injury exile with a resounding 6-4, 6-4, 6-4  defeat…

10 hours ago

Venus loses late in 26th USO appearance

Williams has lost her last 15 matches as a wild card, with her last victory dating…

20 hours ago

US Open 2026 Men’s Day 1

Novak Djokovic hit the wall as the 24-time Grand Slam winner vomited at the back…

20 hours ago

US Open 2026 Women’s Day 1

Third seed Jessica Pegula got up and running on Sunday's opening day at the US…

1 day ago

Last-gasp pullout for injured Ruud

Former finalist Casper Ruud made a last-minute pull out on Sunday as the US Open began,…

1 day ago