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Venus Williams | Source: Getty Images
Venus Williams | Source: Getty Images

‘She Looks Like She’s Attending a Halloween Party’: Venus Williams Mocked for Pre-match Outfit at 24th US Open

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Sep 03, 2023
04:30 P.M.

If an athlete has ever mastered the art of making an entrance and keeping everyone talking, that would be Venus Williams. After all, in the world of tennis and style, she's a true champion, and her recent appearance at the US Open only reaffirms her status as a tennis icon who marches to the beat of her own stylish drum.

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Venus Williams on August 29, 2023 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams on August 29, 2023 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams, the former world No. 1 and a tennis legend, is no stranger to the spotlight. Her 24th appearance at the US Open, held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, was no exception. But this time, it wasn't just her prowess on the court that caught everyone's attention; it was her striking entrance that had fans buzzing.

Before Venus even stepped onto the court to serve the ball, she was already serving some serious fashion statements. Known for her powerful serves and graceful plays, Venus proved once again that she knows how to command attention, not just with her game but with her unique sense of style.

Venus Williams during the US Open Championships on Billie Jean King Tennis Center, August 29, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams during the US Open Championships on Billie Jean King Tennis Center, August 29, 2023. | Source: Getty Images

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As she made her entrance, it was impossible to ignore the buzz she created. Venus was dressed in a black blazer, and perched proudly on the left breast of her blazer was a statement-making black flower accessory. Paired with that, she sported a teeny-tiny white skirt that peeked out from beneath the blazer.

Chunky heels adorned her feet, and she held a small black handbag in her left hand while a red duffle bag hung from her right. Dark sunglasses shielded her eyes from the bright lights, and atop her head was a striking pink statement hairdo.

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user poking fun at the outfit Venus Williams wore as she arrived at the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/krnb1057

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user poking fun at the outfit Venus Williams wore as she arrived at the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/krnb1057

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing the outfit Venus Williams wore as she arrived at the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/krnb1057

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing the outfit Venus Williams wore as she arrived at the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/krnb1057

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A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing the hairdo that Venus Williams' wore to the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/krnb1057

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing the hairdo that Venus Williams' wore to the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/krnb1057

Venus Williams at the US Open 2010 tennis tournament September 7, 2010 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams at the US Open 2010 tennis tournament September 7, 2010 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

As soon as pictures of her ensemble hit social media, the internet was abuzz with a flurry of opinions, ranging from the humorous to the critical. Some were quick to poke fun at her bold fashion choices, joking that she must have mistaken the US Open for a costume party. One wrote, "She looks like she's attending a Halloween party."

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A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing Venus Williams' choice of outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing Venus Williams' choice of outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of a comments from Facebook users criticizing the outfit and hairdo Venus Williams had as she arrived at the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of a comments from Facebook users criticizing the outfit and hairdo Venus Williams had as she arrived at the US Open. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing Venus Williams' choice of outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user criticizing Venus Williams' choice of outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

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Others playfully suggested she might have dressed in the dark. The pink wig, in particular, seemed to be a topic of fascination and amusement. Negative comments flowed, but so did the positive ones. Amid the jesting, there were admirers who hailed her for her confidence and individuality, with one exclaiming, "Do you thang Venus u r beautiful and rocking that outfit."

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user complimenting Venus Williams outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of a comment from a Facebook user complimenting Venus Williams outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of comments from Facebook users complimenting Venus Williams outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

A screenshot of comments from Facebook users complimenting Venus Williams outfit. | Source: facebook.com/tennischannel

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Venus, with her unique style, has always been a trailblazer, both on and off the court. It's not every day you see a tennis icon rocking a pink wig and an unconventional outfit. Some praised her fabulous look, while others celebrated her beauty and her ability to own any outfit she chooses.

The Williams Sisters' Journey to Tennis Royalty and Serena's Farewell

As far as tennis legends go, no sibling duo has shone brighter than Venus and her sister Serena Williams. Their incredible journey from the streets of Compton, California, to becoming global tennis icons is a testament to their unwavering determination, fierce talent, and unbreakable sisterly bond.

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Venus and Serena Williams at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale on March 05, 2000. | Source: Getty Images

Venus and Serena Williams at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale on March 05, 2000. | Source: Getty Images

These two tennis titans began their professional careers at the mere age of 14, unleashing their exceptional talents on the tennis world with astonishing success. By the late 1990s, they were revolutionizing women's tennis, armed with overpowering groundstrokes and a level of self-assurance that was as remarkable as their skills.

Venus Williams at the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in Flushing, New York on September 05, 1997. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams at the U.S. Open Tennis Championship in Flushing, New York on September 05, 1997. | Source: Getty Images

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Venus, the older of the two, set the tone by storming into the 1997 U.S. Open final at the age of 17. This was just the beginning. In their first-ever title clash at the 1999 Lipton Championships, they combined forces to capture their maiden Grand Slam doubles title at the French Open, a moment that foreshadowed their incredible partnership.

Serena and Venus Williams at Wimbledon, London, England on July 6, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

Serena and Venus Williams at Wimbledon, London, England on July 6, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

Off the court, the sisters were merely teenage girls navigating newfound fame and fortune. In 1998, they took a significant step toward establishing a home in Florida's Palm Beach Gardens, and by the end of that year, they had launched their joint venture, the Tennis Monthly Recap newsletter.

Serena Williams and sister Venus Williams in Flushing Meadows, New York on August 30,2000. | Source: Getty Images

Serena Williams and sister Venus Williams in Flushing Meadows, New York on August 30,2000. | Source: Getty Images

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The newsletter gave fans a peek into the lives of these tennis prodigies, offering insights into the world of women's tennis and interviews with their peers. Their journey was not without its trials. In 2001, tensions reached a breaking point at the Indian Wells tournament when Venus withdrew from a match against Serena, resulting in allegations of racial taunting from the crowd.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams during the US Open Tennis Championship 2022 on September 1st 2022 in Flushing, Queens, New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Serena Williams and Venus Williams during the US Open Tennis Championship 2022 on September 1st 2022 in Flushing, Queens, New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Personal struggles also loomed large with their parents' divorce in 2002 and the tragic loss of their sister, Yetunde, in 2003. But the challenges only fueled their determination. From 2005 to 2010, they clinched 16 combined singles and doubles Grand Slam titles, using their influence to break barriers.

In 2005, they co-authored "Venus and Serena: Serving from the Hip," and in 2009, they became the first female African Americans to own part of an NFL franchise, the Miami Dolphins.

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Venus Williams and Serena Williams on September 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams and Serena Williams on September 24, 2022 in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

As their careers progressed, Venus championed equal pay in sports, while Serena ventured into pop culture, enhancing her celebrity status with high-profile relationships. They followed separate paths, yet their sisterly bond remained unbreakable, even when Serena faced a life-threatening pulmonary embolism in 2011 and Venus was diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome.

Venus Williams and Serena Williams on May 07, 2023 in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams and Serena Williams on May 07, 2023 in Miami, Florida. | Source: Getty Images

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In 2016, Venus followed Serena's lead and ended her Indian Wells boycott. That same year, they returned to Compton to launch the Yetunde Price Resource Center in honor of their late sister. In 2022, Serena bid farewell to tennis, sharing her heartfelt decision and the challenges of choosing between tennis and family.

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Venus Williams' Life Beyond the Tennis Court

In addition to her illustrious tennis career, Venus has embraced the roles of aunt and fashion enthusiast with boundless enthusiasm. At the 2021 Met Gala, Venus shared her delight with Access Hollywood about her fashionable niece, Alexis Olympia, who was just four years old at the time. Venus playfully quipped:

"She wears dresses all day every day, and insists on heels, so she'll be here next year."

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She also playfully hinted at Olympia's future role as the Met Gala's chairwoman. The stylish toddler's love for dressing up, especially to match her tennis pro mom, Serena, showcased her early flair for fashion. In June of the same year, Olympia sported a miniature version of the iconic catsuit her mother wore at the Australian Open earlier that year.

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Another adorable moment was documented on Olympia's Instagram account, capturing her on the tennis court practicing her skills. As a proud aunt, Venus couldn't help but admire her niece. She compared Olympia's backhand to that of her grandmother, Oracene Price, noting the resemblance to her own mother's form on the court.

Oracene Price and Venus Williams watch Serena Williams play on June 28, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Oracene Price and Venus Williams watch Serena Williams play on June 28, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

The Williams sisters' mother played a crucial role in their development as tennis players, working alongside their father, Richard Williams, to nurture their talents. While Venus's professional life has been the subject of much attention, her personal life also garnered headlines. In 2017, Venus embarked on a headline-making relationship with Nicholas (Nicky) Hammond.

Venus Williams August 30, 2010 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

Venus Williams August 30, 2010 in New York. | Source: Getty Images

The couple kept their romance relatively private but was spotted together at family events, dinner dates, and important matches. During their time together, Venus received a "friendship" ring from Hammond, reflecting their commitment to keeping their relationship under wraps.

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