Black Panther fans who enjoyed Serena Williams’ catsuit at this year’s French Open won’t have the chance to do so next year as the tennis tournament has placed a ban on the outfit.
The tournament has officially confirmed it will be introducing a stricter dress code for 2019, hinting that Williams’ skintight, all-black athletic wear wasn’t up to standard.
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Williams previously stated that the suit, which she said helps to reduce blood clots, made her feel like a “superhero” and the “Queen of Wakanda” at Roland-Garros.
“It will no longer be accepted,” said French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli to Tennis magazine. “I believe we have sometimes gone too far. You have to respect the game and the place.” Giudicelli didn’t provide details on the new rules and regulations, but made it clear they weren’t as strict as Wimbledon, which requires players to wear all-white outfits.
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The 36 year-old Grand Slam champion made her return to elite tournament action at the French Open last May following the birth of her daughter the previous September. She wore the catsuit throughout the first three rounds before pulling out of this year’s edition due to injury.
(via BBC)