Fashion and tennis often go hand in hand, with iconic players like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova leading the charge in blending style and sport. These trailblazers have elevated tennis’s global appeal by bringing their fashion A-game to the court. Following in their footsteps, Canadian former player and content creator Ayan Broomfield has also embraced glamour as part of her tennis journey. In a recent fashion statement, Broomfield paid tribute to Serena Williams, highlighting reasons why tennis continues to be seen as a stylish sport. Her outfit showcased her admiration for the tennis legend and reinforced the lasting impact of blending fashion with athleticism.

Broomfield recently paid tribute to her fashion icon, Serena Williams, with a striking gesture that combined admiration and style. The Canadian player, also Frances Tiafoe’s girlfriend, has long been inspired by the former WTA number one’s trailblazing fashion choices. And why not? Williams has dominated not only on the tennis court with her incredible playstyle but also off it, with her bold and memorable outfit choices. Drawing inspiration from her iconic looks, Broomfield revealed how the tennis legend has profoundly influenced her fashion sense.

This time, Frances Tiafoe’s girlfriend brought back memories of Williams’ legendary black catsuit from the 2018 French Open, an outfit that made waves after the tennis star gave birth to her daughter, Olympia. Serena’s custom Nike suit, highlighted with a red belt, paired with signature braids, was her way of celebrating her return to Grand Slam tennis. “This is my first Grand Slam after having Olympia, and I was like, ‘I worked so hard on those braids; I’m going to keep them in. I’ve worn catsuits before, but never a full-length one like this.”

Though fans celebrated the suit as a symbol of empowerment and resilience, it stirred controversy within tennis circles. French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli criticized the outfit, calling it a breach of the dress code and suggesting that “sometimes we’ve gone too far.” The backlash was immediate, with fans and Nike rallying behind Williams and condemning the restrictive views. Despite the controversy, the black catsuit became an iconic moment in tennis history, symbolizing Serena’s determination to challenge boundaries.

Fast-forward to today, Broomfield channeled Serena’s bold fashion energy by donning a similar suit from Victoria’s Secret’s activewear line, VSX Official. Sharing a post on Instagram, she wore the sleek black all-in-one outfit during a practice session and raved about its comfort and style. Captioning her post, she wrote, “Channeling my inner Serena with @vsxofficial new collection 🖤 use code VSAYAN for 20% off until 11.19 #vspartner @victoriassecret.” For a devoted Serena fan like Broomfield, the outfit was more than just piece of cloth—it was a homage to the tennis icon who continues to inspire her.

Broomfield has often spoken of Serena Williams’ influence in pushing boundaries in sport and fashion. In a January interview, she expressed her admiration for the former American tennis star, describing her as a trailblazer whose fearless style and powerful presence have left an indelible mark on the sport and beyond.

Ayan Broomfield heaped praise on Serena Williams for pushing fashion boundaries

In January, Broomfield sat down with Harper’s Bazaar Australia to delve into Serena Williams’ profound influence on her fashion sense. Reflecting on Williams’ legacy, she shared, “Serena Williams has had an enormous impact on women’s tennis fashion, in my opinion, as she broke the glass ceiling with her iconic looks—whether it be the beads in her hair, her catsuits, or her incorporation of street style with denim and leather.” Broomfield continued, “She has always pushed the boundaries, and I think she has set the tone for the ‘tennis dress core.’ Personally, I would say that tennis dresses are the most iconic.” Her words highlighted her admiration for Williams’ ability to challenge stereotypes and seamlessly blend bold fashion with tennis.

Ayan Broomfield’s deep respect for Serena Williams is evident in her style choices. As a self-proclaimed fashion connoisseur, she appreciates how Williams brought fearless innovation to tennis fashion, elevating the sport’s visibility by infusing it with glamour and sophistication. Through her admiration and personal expression, Broomfield continues to celebrate Williams’ groundbreaking legacy.