Serena Williams is changing gears.
Williams, who is truly called “one of the greatest athletes of all time,” opens this month’s issue of Porter magazine by talking about her transition from full-time elite athlete to motherhood and the podcast she just started with her sister, fellow tennis star and Olympian Venus Williams.
Dressed primarily in black for the photo shoot, Williams has worn everything from a gala-worthy backless silk dress to a last-minute look complete with tights and a leather jacket.
But it’s the photo of the 44-year-old in a black swimsuit with striking cutouts that has people talking.
With hands on hips and legs stretched out to the sides, the athlete strikes a power pose by the pool. This is a posture more common in boardrooms than on the beach. But Williams makes it work.
This designer swimsuit is currently available on Net-a-Porter for $990.
The one-piece cutout was styled with Alaïa square-toe pumps ($1,590) with a narrow block heel and gold and diamond By Palaia earrings ($6,500).
Williams has been candid about her body image struggles, especially after giving birth to her first daughter via emergency C-section in 2017.
After losing more than 30 pounds this summer, the mother of two said she used weight loss drugs to reach her goal.
“I feel great,” she told People magazine, adding, “I feel great and healthy. I feel lighter physically and mentally.”
Speaking to Porter about her body image when it comes to tennis, she explains: “It affects you mentally. Absolutely. You think your whole life that you’re big, and then you look back and think, oh, I was healthy. Yeah, I had big muscles. I didn’t look like other girls, but not everyone looks the same.”
When asked about retiring from the sport that made her famous, she cited family and the freedom to own her time as the driving force behind her decision.
“I want to be around my family. When I’m home, I cook every night. I’m home 29 nights a month,” she told Porter.
she continued. “I feel lucky that I have a career and don’t have to do the same things that other people do. I’m very lucky. I tried hard, as we all do, but I did it a little early. So I think that’s really working in my favor. And (now) I can put my kids first.”
Now, in a new role off the tennis court, she continues to strive to become the greatest player of all time.
For the full Serena Williams interview, visit Porter Magazine.
