The Story Behind Serena Williams's US Open Outfit Nods to Her Legacy

Serena Williams is hitting the court at the US Open, possibly for the last time. After announcing her retirement in Vogue’s September 2022 issue, the tennis legend is gearing up for what could be her final appearance in the Queens-based tournament. And she’s doing so in grand style. Williams’s US Open 2022 outfit is not just any show-stopping on-court look, though she’s had plenty of those. It’s full of meaning, and it stands as a sartorial tribute to the extraordinary legacy she leaves behind.

To play her first match in the 2022 US Open, Serena Williams wore a black, sheer-panelled Nike dress covered in sparkles, People reports. The glittering look boasts a 6-layer skirt to honour her previous 6 US Open titles – and it’s a fitting ensemble as she strives for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam title.

Her sneakers are just as glamorous. The designer chose NikeCourt Flare 2 shoes boasting 400 hand-set diamonds, her initials inscribed on the medial side, and an embellished Swoosh. The crystal-studded outfit, which Williams co-designed, is a nod to the costumery traditionally worn by figure skaters. “Inspired by graceful competition dresses worn by figure skaters, the embellished bodice and the skirt place Serena in the spotlight and allow her freedom of movement,” Nike said in a statement.

Olympia Ohanian, who is known for making style statements all her own, matched her mom in a sparkly Nike outfit and a beaded hairstyle with special significance.

Keep scrolling to see both their looks ahead.