‘B**Ts Are Popular’ – Serena Williams Reveals How She Overpowered Shaming to Become a Pioneer of Body Positivity

Serena Williams retired from tennis on 3rd September. She made her last appearance on the hard courts of the US Open and keeping true to her words gave her best. Though owing to an injury-ridden year-long halt, she failed to reach the second week. Williams walked out of the tournament and the sport after playing the round of 32. However, even though she won’t be around on tours, her legacy will stay intact.

The 23 times Grand Slam champion, apart from achieving greatness in terms of records, brought significant changes in mentality. She not only flawlessly represented her community but also amended the beauty standards.

Serena Williams once opened up on her body

The crowd, which once dragged, is now adjusted to a norm that finds Williams extraordinary. As she herself said, “A lot of people feel they’re not pretty or they’re not cute enough because their skin is dark. I think people could feel my confidence, because I was always told, ‘You look great. Be Black and be proud.'”

“Giving them that confidence, that motivation, is something that has literally never been done. You don’t let the world decide beauty,” the former world no.1 explained.

Thereafter she added, “And me being thicker or whatever, I mean, curves are popular now. B**ts are popular. I’m trying to lose mine, and people are trying to get mine.” Williams received massive outlash during her initial days for having a muscular build.

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Just like the veteran Martina Navratilova people, dragged her under the microscope and accused her of having an unfair upper hand over other feminine and petite WTA players. Though the American stood strong, and slowly the haters faded. Now, as she has said goodbye to the game, nothing but love and respect will follow her to the doorstep of her second set.

Serena’s achievements

The 40-year-old’s retirement is going to create a big gap in tennis. As she almost carried the sport for over 25 years and brought crowds of fans. Williams debuted in the year 1995 and within some years, she touched the ranking of World no.1. Speaking of the crown, the legend held it for a record total of 319 weeks.

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Further, she has a pile of 73 singles titles and 23 doubles under her name. She has claimed Grand Slam victories in all three categories and has represented America in the Olympics as well. Williams alongside her elder sister Venus brought three doubles gold medals, and she came out victorious in the 2012 London Olympics.