Serena Williams Was Criticized for ‘Manly’ Arms — At 42, She’s Happy with Herself & Daughter Who Is as ‘Strong’ as Mom

• Serena Williams has been mocked for her appearance through the years.
• She and her sister Venus Williams have been called too "masculine."
• Despite the negative comments about her body, Serena has learned to embrace herself.

Serena Williams has been body-shamed for how her arms look. But the sports star has since clapped back at naysayers who have consistently scrutinized her appearance and even questioned her gender.

Serena and her big sister Venus Williams, widely known as the Williams sisters, have both been mocked for their physical appearance, from being called "masculine" to accusations of being born male. In addition, the head of the Russian Tennis Federation referred to them as "the Williams brothers."

In a May 2018 interview, 23-time Grand Slam Champion Serena spoke candidly about facing criticism as people labeled her muscles and power "manly." She frankly discussed how she handled the criticism and what others said about her body, some even questioning her gender:

"It was hard for me. "People would say I was born a guy, all because of my arms or because I'm strong."

Serena mentioned that in terms of physique, she looked different from Venus, who was slim-bodied and gorgeous. "And I am strong and muscular – and beautiful, but it was just totally different."

As for the critics who scrutinized her physical appearance, the now-former tennis player clapped back and said she embraces her biceps:

"This is me, and this is my weapon and machine."

Serena has faced body image scrutiny throughout her tennis career, and people even said she was "too fat for tennis" and that she should lose weight. The athlete admitted that growing up, she was always body conscious but never imagined that her body would be a topic of discussion.

In a June 2016 interview, Serena said being a public figure comes with a lot of criticism and she was aware that "not everyone" would like how she looks.

In a 2004 interview, she admitted she wanted to be a size four, but when reminded about that in a May 2018 interview, she had a change of heart, acknowledging that it would not be possible. She even asked herself why she would want to be like that.

Serena on Embracing Her Daughter’s Looks – Inside Her Family Life

In hindsight, Serena said she was glad she said that because she now understands her situation. She stated it would be a perfect example for her daughter, Olympia Ohanian, to show her that she "struggled" but has since accepted herself:

“[...] Now I'm happy with who I am and what I am and what I look like. Olympia was born and she had my arms, and instead of being sad and fearful about what people would say about her, I was just so happy."

While pregnant with her child, Serena knew she would be as strong as her. She could tell that she was carrying a baby girl because she did not experience morning sickness, and despite hot weather conditions, her unborn child "never complained."

The doting mom told her beloved husband, Alexis Ohanian, early on that they were going to have a girl, adding, "Only a woman can be this strong."

Serena welcomed her daughter Olympia with her husband Alexis in 2017. The couple met in 2015 in Italy. She shared how they crossed paths during her interview on "The Drew Barrymore Show" in September 2022.

The Michigan native revealed she was sitting with friends at an empty restaurant when Alexis arrived and sat beside them. They attempted to "get rid of him," but that did not work.

Serena asked for the Reddit co-founder's numbers while her agent invited him to see her play at one of her tennis games. They went to Paris for their first date, and they wed several years later in November 2017.

Over the years, Alexis has shared glimpses of his life with his beloved wife, Serena, on his Instagram. In September 2015, he shared a picture from one of her matches at the US Open and wrote, "Come at the queen, you best not miss."

The Brooklyn native also posted an image and video of the couple and their daughter Olympia in January 2023 during their family outing at the Universal Orlando Resort. They were seen laughing while having a blast.

Months later, in May 2023, Alexis and Serena attended their child's "second recital," wrote the investor, who shared a selfie of the lovebirds, including a solo shot of Olympia posing with flowers.

The family of three went to the Uffizi Gallery in June 2023, and Alexis divulged on Instagram that his beautiful daughter wanted to go and see some art pieces.

Olympia is now a big sister. Alexis announced in August 2023 that he and his love Serena had welcomed their second child, a daughter named Adria. The entrepreneur thanked the former World No.1 for making him a dad again.