Serena Williams is no stranger to criticism as one of her generation’s most famous Black female athletes. Despite having won more Grand Slam singles titles (a total of 23) than any other player in the sport, the Olympian has dealt with body shamers for most of her life due to her muscular figure. Williams addressed hateful comments on The Today Show in 2017, noting, “It isn’t always easy to be on the stage playing a tournament and have someone making a comment about your body, that it’s too strong… [but] I don’t let anything break me.”
Now, eight years later, Williams continues to embrace her curvaceous figure, especially after welcoming two daughters with husband, Alex Ohanian. The couple’s firstborn, Olympia, joined them in September 2017. Her little sister, Adira River Ohanian, joined the family in August 2023. After taking time to rest post-birth, in 2024 she inspired her Instagram followers by documenting her personal mission to fit into a stunning Valentino skirt.
Athlete Joked About Her Changing Body After Welcoming Her Second Daughter
Last January, Serena Williams’ social media lit up with a video she cleverly captioned, “The Diary of a Denim Skirt (part 1),” showcasing her struggle to fit into the designer piece. “Houston, we got a problem,” she laughed at the time. “I feel like if I go to the gym and get fit, I’ll be able to fit it in a month,” Williams ambitiously predicted.
Midway through 2024, the mother of two returned with an update, urging followers not to share any negative thoughts in the comments. While the Valentino skirt now hugged her hips, she still failed to zip it up. “It’s been a very long journey, so thank you for joining me,” Williams admitted in July.
Serena Williams Shares Inspiring Before and After Videos
Before transitioning into 2025, Serena Williams offered a final update on her “Diary of a Denim Skirt” saga. Much to her delight, the tennis champion reached her goal. “It fits. An ounce more, it wouldn’t fit. I’m a Laffy Taffy or Skittle away from it not fitting,” the 43-year-old joked.
Besides hitting the gym and adjusting her diet, Williams credits radio frequency treatment with helping boost her confidence after birthing her daughters. “On my last trip to Paris, a girlfriend of mine treated me to a spa day. She knows after two babies I have been self-conscious of my tummy,” she told IG followers in June. “I just had to post this video she took. The results have been amazing. I can see progress with my skin going back to normal and my confidence coming back. Listen my body will never be the same but neither will I cause I have two amazing lights in my life.”
Williams acknowledged that while her body is forever changed after motherhood, she wears her scars with pride. “I will always love my birthing scars but I just wanted to say thanks to my friend Mia and Nat for letting me know it’s ok to take time for myself away from work and kids,” she reminded other parents.