If anyone still questioned Serena Williams’ status as one of the most dominant women in sports and beyond, her latest photo shoot for New York Magazine’s Fashion Issue should erase all doubt. The tennis legend graces the cover striking an incredible splits pose on parallel bars — a perfect symbol of her unmatched strength and flexibility.
In the feature, Williams reflects on her evolving career, revealing that after more than 16 years on the court, she’s already turning her attention to life beyond tennis. Fashion has become her next big passion. Though she once dreamed of designing wedding gowns, she shifted toward athletic wear before launching her own clothing line on HSN.
For her, fashion isn’t just a side project — it’s another way she’s left her mark on tennis itself. “We brought fashion back to tennis,” she explains, recalling how styles from icons like Chris Evert and Tracy Austin faded during the ’90s.
The issue showcases Serena in a series of sleek, powerful looks — from a daring high-slit black gown to a bold bodysuit. While most of the poses are classic, it’s her viral splits that steal the spotlight. It’s not her first time impressing the fashion world either. Just the year before, she landed her second Vogue cover, proving she’s as comfortable in front of the camera as she is on the court.
Even with such accomplishments, Serena admits she’s never fully satisfied. “I always want to do more, be more, reach a new level,” she told the magazine. Judging by the cover — and her ability to keep breaking barriers in both sport and style — it’s clear she’s continuing to live up to that promise.
