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Serena Williams' Black Tennis Catsuit Banned From French Open

Serena Williams catsuit banned
Source: INSTARImages

Sept. 5 2018, Updated 7:52 p.m. ET

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The French Open has announced that three-time winner Serena Williams will not be allowed to wear her bodycon “superhero” catsuit at next year’s tournament. Keep reading to find out why the greatest athlete of all time was specifically singled out.

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Serena williams in blue suit
Source: INSTARImages

In an interview with Tennis magazine, the French Tennis Federation president, Bernard Giudicelli, explained that there will now be a dress code to regulate player’s outfits.

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Serena black catsuit
Source: INSTARImages

Bernard zeroed in on Serena's black jumpsuit and said, “It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place.”

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Serena mid game
Source: INSTARImages

His statement comes just months after Serena praised her sportswear and admitted that it made her feel powerful.

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Serena williams black catsuit
Source: INSTARImages

She said, “It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically, with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves. I definitely feel like it is an opportunity for me to inspire a whole different group of amazing women and kids.”

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Serena and black panther
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'I call it, like, my Wakanda-inspired catsuit,” she said before also admitting it made her feel like a “warrior princess.”

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Serena in denim
Source: INSTARImages

The mom of one also explained that the suit has a more practical purpose — to protect her against blood clots. “I had a lot of problems with them, and, God, I don't know how many I have had in the past 12 months. So it is definitely a little functionality to it,” she said.

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Serena williams
Source: INSTARImages

Fans of the athlete quickly took to Twitter to defend Serena and to slam what they believe is a racist and sexist regulation. One person wrote,  “I am not here for Roland-Garros’ racist pettiness regarding Serena Williams Black Panther-inspired catsuit. GTFOH!”

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Serena williams red carpet
Source: INSTARImages

“How was the Catsuit disrespectful? The French Open should get real!” wrote someone else.

Serena wimbledon
Source: MEGA

What do you think about Serena's wardrobe ban? Sound off in the comments!

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