Move away from the internet: there's no controversy here.
Serena Williams defused any potential bad blood between herself and the French Open on Saturday by saying she was okay with Roland Garros’ decision to ban her catsuit if she tried to wear it again next year.
“I think that obviously the Grand Slams have a right to do what they want to do,” Williams said. “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 okay with it. So I think it's fine.”
Earlier this week, FFT president Bernard Guidicelli made headlines when he was quoted in a magazine article as saying: “I think we sometimes went too far. The combination of Serena this year, for example, it will no longer be accepted. You have to respect the game and the place.”
Williams told media that she has a good relationship with Guidicelli and they’ve been talking about the issue.
When asked the following question: Do you understand their perspective about the outfit? [Guidicelli] seemed to say it was disrespectful? Williams replied:
“I don't know exactly what he seemed to say or what he didn't seem to say or what. We already talked. Like I said, we have a great relationship. We talked yesterday, yeah. Everything's fine, guys.”
Nike—and many others—was quick to capitalize on the news, and the fervor, with a well-timed social media post before Williams downplayed it:
Support for Williams was everywhere on Twitter as well. Some of that support was, well, a little over the top, especially when juxtaposed with Williams' muted reaction:
Williams, who passed on the catsuit in favor of compression leggings at Wimbledon, originally wore the catsuit at Roland Garros to prevent blood clots from forming in her body. She says she has found other means to remedy her precarious health situation.
“I've since found other methods,” Williams said, adding: “When it comes to fashion, you don't want to be a repeat offender. It will be a while before this even has to come up again.”