Serena Williams Keeps Showing Us How to Rise Above the Noise Don't let naysayers get in your head.

By Nina Zipkin

Jean Catuffe | Getty Images

Ahead of Serena Williams's first match at her 20th US Open, facing off against Magda Linette -- which she won, by the way -- Williams was in the news for comments made by Bernard Giudicelli, the president of the French Tennis Federation.

Giudicelli said that the French Open would ban catsuits like the one Williams wore to play in this year's tournament. Why? "I think that sometimes we've gone too far," he said. "It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place."

Williams said that garment made her feel like a superhero and it was designed to help prevent blood clots, like the kind that led to nearly fatal complications during the birth of the tennis star's daughter Alexis Olympia.

At best, Guidicelli's argument could be described as specious. But fellow tennis icon Billie Jean King was one of many on social media who identified the toxic attitudes at play in his remarks.

"The policing of women's bodies must end," King wrote. "The "respect' that's needed is for the exceptional talent Serena Williams brings to the game. Criticizing what she wears to work is where the true disrespect lies."

Williams took the high road, and had a sense of humor about the controversy. In a press conference, she responded to Guidicelli's comments. "Everything's fine guys. … When it comes to fashion, you don't want to be a repeat offender," she said. "The Grand Slams have a right to do what they want to do. … I feel like if and when, or if they know that some things are for health reasons, then there's no way that they wouldn't be OK with it."

Unphased, Williams took to the court for her first match this week in a one shoulder tennis dress with a black tutu and fishnet compression tights. It was a custom creation designed by Louis Vuitton's Virgil Abloh in collaboration Williams and Nike -- which just released an inspiring new commercial looking back at her career.

The limited edition collection -- called QUEEN -- is also going to be available for fans to purchase. Williams said the outfit helped her game. "It's easy to play in," she said. "Kind of aerodynamic with the one arm free. It feels really good. Yeah, the tutu is easy to play in because I practiced in it before. That was fun."

So what should you do if you find yourself dealing with an outmoded system? Know your strengths, get creative and let your talent do the talking.

Nina Zipkin

Entrepreneur Staff

Staff Writer. Covers leadership, media, technology and culture.

Nina Zipkin is a staff writer at Entrepreneur.com. She frequently covers leadership, media, tech, startups, culture and workplace trends.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

Elon Musk's DOGE Is Hiring People Eager to 'Work Long Hours' to Eliminate 'Waste, Fraud and Abuse' in the Government. Here's How to Apply.

The Department of Government Efficiency is hiring U.S. citizens to help cut spending and headcounts in the federal government.

Business News

Uber's CEO Says Drivers Have About 10 Years Left Before They Will Be Replaced

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the jobs of human drivers are safe for the next decade, but after that, another type of driver will take over.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Branding

How to Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your Early-Stage Startup

Branding might not be your first priority, but neglecting it can hurt your startup. A strong brand identity early on sets the stage for marketing success.

Business News

'Everyone Can Profit From It': What Is DeepSeek? China's 'Cheap' to Make AI Chatbot Climbs to the Top of Apple, Google U.S. App Stores

DeepSeek researchers claim it was developed for less than $6 million, a contrast to the $100 million it takes U.S. tech startups to create AI.

Science & Technology

From Data to Destiny — How AI Can Turbocharge Your Business Future

Are you ready to embrace the power of AI with trusted data? Let's transform challenges into opportunities and propel your business into the future.