Serena Williams rocks Black Panther-inspired cat suit on French Open return

Serena Williams admitted her eye-catching, figure-hugging black catsuit she sported on her French Open return on Tuesday was inspired by the smash hit Black Panther movie but was also intended to help women with post-natal complications.

tennis Updated: May 30, 2018 14:57 IST

Serena Williams prepares to serve against Krystyna Pliskova during their first round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France on May 29, 2018. (AP)

On her return to Roland Garros on Tuesday, tennis ace Serena Williams grabbed the eyeballs not only with her superb performance but with her eye-catching black catsuit as well.

Williams, who was making a comeback after becoming a mother, beat Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 to advance into the second round of the French Open.

Her black dress, though, received even more attention than her performance as it resembled the kind of black suit used in the superhero movie ‘Black Panther’.

Serena Williams’ catsuit resembled the attire used in the superhero movie ‘Black Panther’. (REUTERS)

“I call it like my Wakanda-inspired cat suit. It’s really fun,” the Daily Telegraph quoted her as saying, referring to the fictional African nation where stories of Hollywood blockbuster Black Panther unfold.

“I feel like a warrior princess. I always wanted to be a super hero.”

Serena, who had earlier revealed that she had to undergo a lifesaving surgery because of blood clotting following the birth of her daughter Olympia in September, said that the suit should not be seen as only a fashion symbol as it has many health benefits.

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“God, I don’t know how many blood clots I have had in the past 12 months. So the suit has definitely a little functionality to it.

“I have been wearing pants in general a lot when I play so I can keep, you know, the blood circulation going. It’s a fun suit, but it’s also functional so I can be able to play without any problems,” said the 36-year-old according to the Telegraph, who is eyeing to level Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 majors.