Serena Williams gets real about her body image

'I'm not asking you to like my body'

There are many reasons to love Serena Williams. Apart from being a badass Grand Slam tennis champion, she’s open about her struggles with body image. Is not afraid to boldly respond to sexism. And has an awesome sense of humour about fashion.

To top it all off, Williams is also aware that as a role model for young women, what she says has the potential to really affect people.

In a cover story with SELF magazine’s September issue, Williams was all about the good vibes that project confidence and body positivity. 'I love my body, and I would never change anything about it,' she said. Coming from a woman who has some of the most empowering quotes we've ever heard, this is unsurprising.

She then went on to say, 'I’m not asking you to like my body. I’m just asking you to let me be me. Because I’m going to influence a girl who does look like me, and I want her to feel good about herself.'

Yes! That’s what we like to hear! If anyone’s going to influence young women, it should be Williams.

Then recently she reiterated her stand on body shaming again. Speaking to magazine, Fader, Serena said: 'People have been talking about my body for a really long time… Good things, great things, negative things. …What matters most is how I feel about me, because that’s what’s going to permeate the room I’m sitting in.'

Not only is she leading an example for young women who may want to follow in her footsteps, but she recognises that she won’t be a competitive tennis player forever. Her plan? To explore other interesting avenues. You know, like a clothing line. And hopefully continue inspiring young women.

History has shown that she can do anything she sets her mind to, so we’re sure that she will tackle the fashion industry with the same power and grace. If she can do it, we can do it!