Serena Williams, the 43-year-old tennis icon, celebrated a significant personal milestone at the end of 2024: successfully fitting into a Valentino denim maxi skirt she purchased during her pregnancy. Williams has been chronicling her postpartum weight loss journey on Instagram since welcoming her second daughter, Adira River, with husband Alexis Ohanian in August 2023. The skirt served as a tangible goal for her progress.
On December 30th, Williams shared a video documenting the triumphant moment. With an audience of friends, she revisited the skirt, recounting its previous snug fit. As she carefully unbuttoned and zipped the skirt, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the room. Pulling it up, she exclaimed that it felt “better already.”
Finally securing the button and zipper, Williams beamed as she admired herself in the mirror, even performing a playful “drop it like it’s hot” at a friend’s encouragement. “It just fits,” she declared. “An ounce more, it wouldn’t. I need to give myself credit.”
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Williams’ “try-on mini series” began in January, providing fans with regular updates every few months. A previous attempt over the summer showed progress but fell short of complete closure. This final success marked the culmination of her dedicated efforts.
Beyond the fashion victory, Williams, also mother to 6-year-old Olympia, has embraced a holistic approach to health and fitness. Recent Instagram posts showcase her noticeably slimmer physique, highlighting her commitment to a new lifestyle.
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Williams’ journey extends beyond aesthetics; it’s driven by a desire for long-term well-being and a renewed athletic ambition. Partnering with Abbott’s Lingo continuous glucose monitor, she revealed her 2025 goal of running a half-marathon. “I have to do something competitive,” she confessed, admitting she “misses tennis like crazy” after retiring from professional play two years ago.
Williams’ openness about her weight loss journey resonates with her relatable approach to life. “Athletes and musicians…sometimes we think that we’re untouchable, and that’s just not true,” she shared. She emphasizes her connection with everyday struggles, aiming to create content that connects with her audience on a personal level.
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“I literally don’t think of myself any different than anyone else,” Williams stated, emphasizing her commitment to authenticity and sharing her experiences, from fitting into skirts to managing her health, with her fans. This transparency, rooted in her upbringing in Compton, allows her followers to see a more human side of a global icon.