Tennis star Serena Williams made history when she won the prestigious CFDA Award. As a player, Serena broke a lot of boundaries, paving the way for a new generation of players. She had to deal with a lot of racial stereotypes and mocking from other players, but she overcame them.
Serena and her older sister, Venus Williams, were subjected to a lot of discrimination. However, both emerged stronger than ever. Serena’s own contemporaries, like Caroline Wozniacki, made fun of her too, whenever she could.
Wozniacki started a controversy a few years ago when she stuffed towels in her top and skirt to look like Serena. The Danish star was only 22 years old at the time and was playing against Maria Sharapova. Caroline’s mid-match impression of the 23-time Grand Slam champion got a lot of laughs from everyone in attendance.
While Wozniacki’s impression got laughs from the crowd, many found it problematic. Some even interpreted it as racist, since a white woman was mocking a black woman.
It was not just Caroline, though, who was guilty of impersonating Serena. Novak Djokovic, who is well known for imitating other tennis stars, did not spare Williams either.
As unfortunate as it is, Williams was never affected by these things, which is a testament to her strength of character. She even spoke in support of Caroline, stating she did not find it offensive at all. Serena added that she does not focus on the negative. “At the end of the day I spend my time focused on things to become better and not bring me down,” she said (via Essence).
Serena Williams, however, made a lasting impression on the court, and not just with her tennis prowess. Some of the outfits she wore at tournaments have acquired legendary status. Her CFDA Award only proves it.
Serena Williams becomes the first athlete to win the award
The 23-time Grand Slam champion became the first-ever athlete to win the fashion award. Since her retirement, Serena has ventured into different business ventures, expanding her portfolio. She already has her own line of clothing, called “S by Serena.”
On the red carpet, Williams shared what she would tell her younger self, given how far she has come. She was euphoric to win the award too, adding that the court was her runway.
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“I knew when I was a little girl that I was different, so I explored fashion and style as a way to distinguish myself. In many ways for me, the tennis courts became my runway, and the U.S. Open was my own New York Fashion Week,” she said.
Serena Williams has been a legend of the game. However, her influence on the world of fashion cannot be denied. She left a mark as a player then, and she is leaving a mark as a fashion icon now.
