Serena Williams and Coco Gauff Serve Fashion Goals as They Exude Tennis Royalty at the Oscars Vanity Fair Party

The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics not only aimed to review the history of the French city but also commemorated great athletes from around the world. And among them, one of the tennis legends could not be missing. Serena Williams was one of those responsible for carrying the torch alongside Rafa Nadal, Carl Lewis, and Nadia Comaneci.

Since then, the American has been enjoying the events and attending various competitions. Among others, she did not hesitate to watch live the one of Simone Biles along with dozens of other familiar faces. But she also has time to spend with her children, and it is exactly at that moment when she had a problem that she did not hesitate to publicly denounce.

The tennis player has used her social media to point out an incident she had this Monday with The Peninsula restaurant in Paris. “I have been denied access to eat on the rooftop of a restaurant empty of nicer places, but never with my children. There is always a first time,” she denounced on her X account (Twitter).

With this, Selena Williams has not only shown anger about what happened, but has also expressed outrage. However, the establishment itself has tried to calm the waters, apologizing to her in the comments section.

“We apologize for the disappointment you experienced tonight. Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was fully booked, and the only available tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was also fully booked,” they explained.

They have also made it clear that for them, it is an “honour” to welcome a public figure of this caliber and that they will be delighted to receive his visit in the future. However, this time it was not possible due to prior commitments, as they have clarified.

A dispute that the followers of the American player have not hesitated to fuel. Among other things, many have wanted to support the tennis player. “Who doesn’t leave room for a queen?” a user expressed. “How can you deny someone when it’s Serena Williams…?” added another.

And it’s not surprising to see this tennis player’s reaction on social media, considering that she is quite active in this regard. Right after the Opening Ceremony, she didn’t hesitate to joke about it. “I participated in an incredible opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games and traveled by boat in the rain, and it was pouring! So much so that my eyelashes came off,” she exclaimed.

Serena Williams’ journey to reclaim her curves is paying off, and fans are taking notice. The tennis legend, 42, has been candidly sharing her quest to shed extra pounds since giving birth to her and her husband, Alexis Ohanian’s, second child, daughter Adira, in August 2023.

New photos of Williams in Paris for the 2024 Olympics have her supporters raving about how good she looks a year into the weightless journey. “You lost all the baby weight. And slaying,” a follower wrote in the comments of her Aug. 4 post.

She shared four images of herself wearing an ensemble that was composed of a black, spandex body suit covered up by a beige sporty and chic sleeveless button up with fishnet underneath and a slight view of her cleavage.

“How does she look so skinnier now than EVER!!!!” exclaimed a user as they gawked over her recent Paris fashion look.

Still, not everyone was onboard with Williams’ transformation progress. A critical observer commented, “Something seems off about her weight look at her legs.”

Someone else quipped, “We’re just going to start calling you Serena the snack.” And a third fan asked, “Did we try on the skirt this month?!?!?! I’m so invested at this point.”

At the top of the year, Williams shared a video of her trying her best to fit into a designer denim skirt.

“I got this cool Valentino skirt when I was pregnant and I was like, ‘I’m gonna be able to fit in this when I don’t have a belly,’” she said about her goal. As she pulled the skirt up her legs, she quickly realized that her fuller thighs and backside made it clear that she wasn’t quite slim enough to pull off the look.

Williams admitted, “I should have been able to fit it by now, but I ran into some … I got distracted for about a month. And so, I’m about a month behind. We have a ways to go.”

She documented her second attempt at fitting into the garment in May. Again, her backside prevented the skirt from gliding up to her waist with ease. Her supporters were appreciative of the relatable content, with many suggesting she get a bigger size instead of downsizing her curvier figure.

In June, Williams had a non-invasive procedure called radio-frequency (RF) skin-tightening treatment on her stomach.

But the decorated athlete continued her quest as she uploaded a third try on July 1 following a trip to Paris. This time, she had made significant headway, not only managing to pull the skirt up to her waist but also buttoning it.

However, the zipper was the final straw as it did not budge, proving she was close but not exactly the right size.

The snug fit was met with excitement from Williams, who said, “Well, we’ve made a lot of progress. … I’m not as sad … it’s a little tight. I can’t really breathe. … I might have to do one more video.”

While a fourth video has yet to be shared, fans are patiently waiting for an update.

Several others who flooded the post’s comment section raved about her most recent look, her body, clothing, and makeup included. Williams has had a series of hits and misses when it comes to her glam in recent months, but several fans now believe she has the perfect team in place to keep her looking stellar amid complaints about her stepping out in public looking drab instead of fab.

Serena Williams has called out a five-star hotel in Paris for denying her family access to a rooftop restaurant despite it being completely empty.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner took to X to publicly complain about the treatment she received at The Peninsula Hotel on Monday, sharing her annoyance at the way in which her visit went down.

‘Yikes,’ Williams wrote. ‘@peninsulaparis I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in a empty restaurant of nicer places but never with my kids. Always a first.’

Williams also shared a snap of the sign on the hotel, so that her followers could know which establishment she was talking about.

The Peninsula Hotel later expressed regret for turning down Williams, sharing on X: ‘Dear Mrs. Williams, Please accept our deepest apologies for the disappointment you encountered tonight.

‘Unfortunately, our rooftop bar was indeed fully booked and the only unoccupied tables you saw belonged to our gourmet restaurant, L’Oiseau Blanc, which was fully reserved.

‘We have always been honored to welcome you and will always be to welcome you again. The Peninsula Paris.’

Williams’ fans were quick to rip the hotel for rejecting the tennis legend as one X user asked: ‘How does one get denied when they are Serena Williams…… lol’

‘Glad you didn’t have to waste money there,’ another fan pointed out.

‘You’re better off not going, their food is subpar — I’ve unfortunately had to pay for it quite a few times,’ someone else said.

Williams has attended several Olympic disciplines with her six-year-old daughter, Olympia, and her family in Paris.

She was also among several high-profile names to be part of the Games’ opening ceremony on July 26, as she shared a boat with Rafael Nadal, Carl Lewis and Nadia Comaneci.

Williams described the ceremony as ‘unforgettable.’

‘From being part of an amazing Opening Ceremony at the Paris Olympics-to riding in the boat in the rain-and it was pouring! So much so my lashes came right on off,’ she joked on X.

On top of her Grand Slam victories, Williams has four Olympic gold medals to her name, including in both singles and doubles in London in 2012.

The Olympic Games have been underway for a week since their inauguration, and within the three disciplines with the most events – gymnastics, swimming, and track and field – we’ve seen the majority of gymnastics and swimming competitions, with a couple of gold medals for the sublime Simone Biles and four gold medals for Léon Marchand in swimming. With only two days of swimming activities left, the focus now shifts to track and field, with several US athletes emerging as favorites, especially on the track.

READ MORE:Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Accused of Living Off of Tennis Icon’s Money By Internet Troll, Reddit Co-Founder Claps Back

In a notable display of support, prominent figures like Alexis Ohanian, husband of Serena Williams, and sports icons Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson have offered substantial financial incentives to US athletes.

Ohanian has pledged $200,000 to Gabby Thomas if she secures a gold medal, underscoring his confidence in her potential. This commitment highlights the broader enthusiasm for supporting American athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Sharpe and Ochocinco have also stepped in with impressive offers. Sharpe has promised additional bonuses, including $50,000 for any athlete who breaks an Olympic record. Johnson has echoed this sentiment, demonstrating their belief in the potential of US athletes to excel on the world stage. This financial backing not only provides motivation but also recognizes the hard work and dedication these athletes put into their training for more tha four years. The Olympic Committee pays U.S. athletes $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze

RELATED:How a skateboarding accident shaped Serena Williams’ devastating forehand

Noah Lyles is a standout name to watch in the track and field events, particularly in the 100 and 200 meters. Lyles, who has a personal best of 9.81 in the 100 meters and 19.50 seconds in the 200 meters, is considered a top contender for gold. His recent performances, including a dominant win at the US Trials, have positioned him as a favorite. Lyles will face formidable rivals such as Andre De Grasse of Canada, who won bronze in the 100 meters at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has a personal best of 19.62 seconds in the 200 meters, and Fred Kerley, the silver medalist in the 100 meters at Tokyo 2020.

The competition will be intense, with sprinters from various nations aiming for the top spot. Lyles’ previous performances and current form suggest that he is more than capable of claiming victory. As the track and field events progress, all eyes will be on Lyles to see if he can live up to the high expectations and secure a place on the podium.

Sha’Carri Richardson Rivals and Preview

Sha’Carri Richardson has already made a significant impact in the semi-finals of the 100 meters, showcasing her dominance and setting the stage for an exciting final. Richardson, with a personal best of 10.72 seconds, is in peak form. Her main rivals was Jamaica’s Elaine Thompson-Herah, the double Olympic champion in the 100 and 200 meters, but sadly won’t compete because of his Achilles heel. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who has a personal best of 10.60 seconds and multiple Olympic and World Championship titles is Richardson top rival

UPDATE:‘You Can’t Steal It’- Serena Williams Warns Sister Venus Williams as She Turns Excited Over Gucci’s Exorbitant Surprise

So Lyles, Richardson, McLaughlin and the many more remaining U.S. athletes will have a chance to get a “bonus” from the former NFL players, all in addition to the $37,500 for gold, $22,500 for silver, and $15,000 for bronze that the Olympic Committee pays to U.S. athletes if they win.

Hecklers be warned, Alexis Ohanian is making a sport out of clapping back at people trying to shade him on Twitter.

The Reddit co-founder and husband of Serena Williams is showing no signs of letting up on those who feel empowered enough to type messages insinuating that his success pales in comparison to his superstar wife or that he’s using her for financial gain.

READ MORE:Serena Williams faces criticism over appearance

Ohanian, 41, is speculated to have a net worth of $150 million. Williams, 42, has reportedly amassed a worth of $300 million from her storied tennis career and business endeavors.

The couple has been married since November 2017 and are parents to two daughters, Olympia, 6, and Adira, 11 months. As the family has been in Paris in support of the Olympics; the seven-time Wimbledon title winner was also part of the July 26 Opening Ceremony.

However, when the proud dad and husband took a break from spectating at the Games, his Twitter timeline turned into a bit of a mess.

While enjoying an outing at Disneyland Paris with his daughters, Ohanian took a moment to record a video to promote the upcoming Athlos track meet, which will host 36 of the sport’s fastest stars, such as Gabby Thomas, Faith Kipyegon, and Alexis Holmes, to name a few, on Sept. 26 in New York.

“It’s the largest prize ever in the history of track and field. The winners are going to get $60,000 each at that event,” he said. Speaking directly to the competitors, he then sweetened the deal, adding, “Ladies, if you win a medal here, in Paris, I’m gonna give you $60,000 as well,” bringing their takeaway to $120,000.

His love for the Olympics aside, the entrepreneur said that he is “just happy to play a role in supporting track and field and especially women athletes. So, this is just the start, but have an amazing Olympics.”

The purpose of the event, which was created by Ohanian and is named after his Athlos venture capital fund, is to push forward the continued widespread investments being made in track and field outside of the Olympics. One of his supporters praised his efforts, writing, “More people like u in the world, with a big heart and who encourage athletes.”

RELATED:Coco Gauff looks up to friend and mentor Serena Williams before Olympics debut

But a troll instead used the opportunity to accuse Ohanian of bankrolling the jackpot by turning it into an expense for Williams. “Translation; ” I am going to use Serena’s money because me have no money to spend like that,’” the individual wrote.

Ohanian had already been in his comments replying to fans, so it came as no surprise that he also addressed the bold critic. He hit back with, “You created an entire Twitter account just to say something that stupid?”

Someone coming to Ohanian’s defense, made an attempt to slight the offensive poster when they said, “Umm…tell us you don’t know how to use Google without telling us you don’t know how to use Google. LMAO.”

Again, in elite clapback form, the multimillionaire took a swing at the heckler when he replied, “Dude can barely put together a sentence, that’s asking too much.”

The miffed user, however, seemed to take the jabs in stride at Ohanian, declaring, “I ain’t mad at you player. Stick around to the ten year mark so you can get half of everything she earned.  ReRe needs to pay her Zaddy tax just like Halle Berry and Rachel Lindsay.  Then get you a fly Armenian chick to really rub it in. I respect your Hussle.”

The person would later dredge up Ohanian’s 2020 admission that Williams introduced him to the practice of using a washcloth. But by the time, the businessman was done giving the tit-for-tat exchange any attention.

UPDATE:‘I Swear She Used to be Black’: Serena Williams’ Unrecognizable Look Sparks a Storm of Attacks Following Latest Video Drop

On more than one occasion, the tech mogul has shown that is generous when it comes to using his wealth to help others. When Olympic discus thrower Veronica Fraley tweeted that she was unable to pay her rent ahead of competing in the Games, rapper Flavor Flav and Ohanian came together to cover the expense for the year.

Ohanian shared a screenshot confirming that the Vanderbilt scholar was sent $7,760 so that she could keep her focus on competing.

Serena Williams, the iconic retired tennis champion, has recently found herself at the center of a heated debate regarding her appearance. As she shares clips from her “Hot Ones” interview on Instagram, fans and critics alike are questioning whether she has altered her looks with cosmetic procedures.

READ MORE:Coco Gauff looks up to friend and mentor Serena Williams before Olympics debut

In the viral clip, Williams discusses the origins of her famous on-court grunts, but the focus quickly shifted to her appearance. Such remarks have reignited discussions about possible cosmetic enhancements, including lip fillers and Botox.

Despite the criticism, many fans have come to Williams’ defense. Some pointed out that the makeup applied may have exaggerated her features rather than indicating any surgical enhancements.

Misogynoir and body image

The backlash against Williams has also been framed within the context of misogynoir. One critic commented on how people managed to turn a video about tennis into a botox witch-hunt. This highlights the ongoing struggle many women, particularly women of color, face regarding societal beauty standards.

RELATED:How a skateboarding accident shaped Serena Williams devastating forehand

Accusations of skin bleaching

In addition to the cosmetic surgery rumors, Williams has faced accusations of skin bleaching. Williams has been scrutinized for her complexion for years, with a 2021 Instagram post sparking significant controversy when her skin appeared several shades lighter than usual.

As the conversation around Serena Williams’ appearance continues, it raises important questions about beauty standards and the pressures faced by public figures. While some may criticize her choices, many fans stand firmly in her corner, advocating for acceptance and understanding in a world that often harshly judges women’s appearance.

UPDATE:‘I Swear She Used to be Black’: Serena Williams’ Unrecognizable Look Sparks a Storm of Attacks Following Latest Video Drop

Serena Williams remains a powerful figure in sports and beyond, and her journey reflects the complexities of beauty, identity and self-expression.