Serena Williams Shares the Full Story Behind Her Banned Catsuit at the French Open

Williams describes this Puma look as inspired by a football player's uniform with the high socks and football-style shoes. "I remember being so nervous and thinking, 'OK, I can't believe I'm going to go out on the court like this. I can't wear this,'" she said. "It was really all about the fashion and less about the tennis, and I was like, 'No, I wanna do well. I want to win.'" Of course, Williams ended up taking home the trophy that year.

"This is when Nike was introduced. I think of all the outfits I wear and when they say, 'What is your favourite?' This one is always top three," Williams says, explaining that her transition from Puma to Nike involved adding more oomph to her wardrobe.

The pleated denim skirt was inspired by Andre Agassi competing in Nike's jorts in 1988. While it was crafted from denim, it was lightweight enough to play in, and the boots were zip-off. "When this outfit debuted, I was sealed as a fashion icon in tennis and since that day, everyone is always looking for, 'OK, what is Serena going to wear on the court?'" she said.

Williams looks at this moment as the debut of the arm sleeve. The Nike team actually encouraged her to embrace the trend at Wimbledon, but she decided to wear it in New York instead. She complemented the look with her signature long nails and a ponytail.

"I've worn catsuits, but I've never worn, like, a long catsuit," Williams says, explaining that the controversial design was constructed for compression purposes to support her health. Though it was criticised and eventually banned by the French Tennis Federation, she made a memorable statement in her warrior princess "superhero" outfit anyway.