Venus Williams in an outfit inspired by Tina Turner
Wimbledon is in full swing, but impressive aces and flawless forehands aren’t the only things turning heads at the All-England Club tennis tournament in Great Britain. In previous grand slams, the on-court fashions of female players have attracted more attention than their forehands and backhands. Maria Sharapova’s inspired 2007 US Open outfit, which was adorned with the New York skyline, is one example of the eye-catching ensembles seen at major tournaments. However, not all the attention to style has been flattering, particularly for the top two female players in the world.
The Williams sisters, although complimented for their dominant level of play, have not exactly been praised for their fashion. Younger sister Serena for instance, is infamously remembered for her puma Catsuit outfit which she wore at the 2002 US Open final. In skin-tight, black faux-leather, the only benefit of her dress was that it was distracting to her opponent, who just happened to be her big sister. Now however, Venus seems to be the one making controversial fashion headlines.
The elder sister launched her EleVen clothing line back in 2007 while Serena premiered the line entitled Aneres (her named spelled backwards) back in 2004. The clothing she advertised seemed innocent enough, but Venus’s ostentatious apparel at the French Open this past May may have hindered some sales. In her opening round match at Roland Garros, Venus bared it all in her red and black lacy outfit. At times her dress appeared to be see-through but the No. 2 seed insisted it was “all about illusion.” Another revealing part of her outfit was her flesh-colored undergarments that gave the impression she wasn’t wearing anything under her lingerie-like dress.
Not exactly more conservative, but less revealing is her attire at this year’s Wimbledon tournament. In an outfit she says was inspired by Tina Turner, Venus is sporting a frilly, white ensemble as she competes in the British grand slam. Williams won her first match in straight sets, even though she looked ready to bust out singing “Proud Mary” at any moment.
However flashy the sisters’ clothing may seem on court, aspiring tennis players can find more than Catsuits and flesh-colored panties in the EleVen and Aneres fashion lines. But, even if you don’t like their outfits, one can’t help but admire the impressive skills they bring to their tennis matches. Hopefully with more practice, the Williams’ sense of fashion will look as good as their sense of on-court confidence.
