Tackling the Catsuit Dispute

Can a player be completely covered and still break the rules? During the French Open of 2018, Serena Williams wore a custom, red and black, Nike catsuit. She was said to have chosen this type of sportswear because it made her feel like a superhero and supermom. Williams wanted to be an example and show that after giving birth, a mother can still be at the top of her game. Moms can also look superhuman whilst doing it.

However, on August 24th, Bernard Giudicelli, the President of the French Tennis Federation, made a statement that banned Williams’ now famous ensemble. Guidicelli told Tennis Magazine, “You have to respect the game and the place”, directly singling out Serena’s outfit.

Many fans and media outlets adored this look; therefore, people were utterly displeased with Mr. Guidicelli’s remark. Numerous viewers, who had watched the match before the ban, rewatched to understand what the fuss was about. Even after reviewing, many were confused about the problem. Serena’s supporters stressed that she was fully covered and hiding more than other players typically do.

Even one of the world’s most famous female tennis players, Billie Jean King, took to Twitter to share her disapproval with the Roland-Garros’ new regulation. She too has had to deal with receiving dress code violations. King tweeted, “The policing of women’s bodies must end. The “respect” that’s needed is for the exceptional talent @serenawilliams brings to the game. Criticizing what she wears to work is where the true disrespect lies.” King and a multitude of others viewed this situation as discriminatory and misogynistic.

When Serena Williams spoke about the ban at a U.S. Open 2018 conference, her words took many by surprise. She clearly chose to take the high road. Williams told the reporters whilst giggling, “I’ve since found other methods and when it comes to fashion you don’t want to be a repeat offender. So, it will be a while before this event has to come up again.” She was relaxed and the issue did not seem to bother her at all. She even said that she spoke on the phone with Guidicelli, and they will come to a resolution. Her team and his business have always been very close and amicable; yet, this ban surprisingly did not cause them to sever ties.

In the end, it should not be forgotten that the suit was worn for practical reasoning. Serena chose to wear this outfit because of her blood clots. For a long time, she has suffered from dealing with pulmonary embolism. It is a condition, in which, a blot clot enters a person’s lungs. Ever since she gave birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia, her illness has worsened. The catsuit provided her body with constant compression, which helps her blood continue to circulate.

So, the main question is: did Serena really do anything wrong? The general consensus among the public is that she did not. Many critics of the French Tennis Federation’s decision conclude that the catsuit ban was an attack on women. They say the suit was not only practical, but it was a form of self-expression and empowerment. However, French officials that work in the French Tennis Federation still strongly feel that the catsuit was simply not worn at the right event. They also believe that the rule contains no prejudice against women. So, overall, it does not look like the ban will be revoked anytime soon, but it also does not seem to disturb Williams.