“I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is so brilliant.'”
It may have been Super Bowl Sunday, but Serena Williams was busy winning her own victory. In his first match at the 2021 Australian Open, the tennis star defeated his opponent, Laura Siegemund, 6-1, 6-1. But it was not just the victory that made people talk, his clothes were also getting a lot of attention.
William West / Getty Images
Serena wore a one-legged jumpsuit that was a tribute to another iconic Olympic athlete, the late Florence Griffith Joyner, also known as Flo-Jo.
Quinn Rooney / Getty Images
During a post-match interview, Serena confirmed that her look, which consisted of a pink, black and red jumpsuit with long pants and a short one, was a throwback to Flo-Jo’s characteristic style.
Tony Duffy / Getty Images
“I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was an excellent track and field athlete, an incredible athlete growing up,” she said. “Her clothes have always been incredible. This year, we thought, ‘What can we do to continue raising Serena Williams on the court?’ The Nike team really thought of this project inspired by Flo-Jo. I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is so shiny, so shiny.’ “
Flo-Jo was an athletics legend who set world records in 1988 and remains undefeated. In addition to her athletic prowess, she was known for her incredible style, which consisted of her shiny “legs” and incredible nails. She passed away in 1998.
Tony Duffy / Getty Images
Serena is not the only one who was inspired by Flo-Jo’s unique style. Beyoncé dressed like her on Halloween 2018.
IDK about you, but I hope we see more of that wicked look at Serena. (It may even reach us, sports-loving civilians.) Nike, can you make one for us, not athletes? THANK YOU.
BuzzFeed Daily
Stay on top of the latest news with the daily BuzzFeed newsletter!