Over the past year, Serena Williams’ body has been talked about nearly as much as her colossal tennis career. And although many outside of the Black community have blasted her strong Black body as manly or overly muscular, many within the Black community have praised Williams for her thick and healthy physique. Even Williams herself has spoken proudly of her body in the national conversations about her frame. However, in a new interview she explains that she didn’t always have a positive opinion of her body in the early years of her career.
In a new interview with Britain’s The Times, Williams spoke about the negative body image she had of herself when her career was just blooming.
“When I was younger, it was hard seeing all these thin athletes when I had more muscular curves and was big-busted. Just try running with DDs that are bouncing 7 inches up and down! It’s distracting, not to mention dangerous, because you can tear ligaments,” Williams said.
Williams also addressed the criticism she still receives to this day.
“I know I get flack for my physique, and it has been a struggle to love my body, but now curves are in and I’m happier [with] myself,” she said.
She added, “Women face so many impossible ideals. It’s important for me to get across that there’s more than one way to look amazing.”
We’re happy that Williams has learned to love her body as is, and we’re also happy that she’s an example for other women that you don’t have to be petite or skinny to be beautiful.
