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Twist in Serena Williams' 'disrespectful' catsuit battle

The French Open banned catsuits after Serena Williams’ effort at the 2018 tournament – but the WTA has gone in the opposite direction.

Announcing new and changed rules for the 2019 season of women’s tennis, the WTA clarified its clothing guidelines.

“Leggings and mid-length compression shorts may be worn with or without a skirt, shorts or dress,” a statement read.

The decision comes after French Tennis Federation president Bernard Guidicelli made a move to ban such outfits.

Williams, in her first appearance at a grand slam following childbirth, wore a black catsuit at the clay tournament.

The full-length pants were worn in part to help with blood flow after the American’s issues with clotting.

Serena Williams wore a full-length black catsuit at the 2018 French Open. Pic: Getty
Serena Williams wore a full-length black catsuit at the 2018 French Open. Pic: Getty

Williams replaced the pants with stockings under dresses and skirts for the rest of the season.

But the catsuit in Paris drew the ire of Guidicelli, who said in August that he would seek a more traditional approach.

“It’s a bit late because the collections are already designed but we are going to nonetheless ask the manufacturers to let us know what is coming,” Giudicelli said.

“I believe we have sometimes gone too far. Serena’s outfit this year, for example, would no longer be accepted. You have to respect the game and the place.”

The four grand slams are organised by the International Tennis Federation, meaning WTA players who wear leggings during the year will have to change into a dress, shorts or skirt for the French Open.

Other rule changes influenced by Williams include alterations to the ‘special ranking’ used by players returning from pregnancy or injury.

Players can now enter 12 tournaments – up from eight – using their old ranking, while players entering on special rankings can receive a low seed.

The WTA also announced that the “three-year period to use a special ranking for pregnancy begins at the birth of the child”.