When Serena Williams returned to the 2018 French Open just months after giving birth to her first child, the headlines were less about her straight-sets victory over Kristýna Plíšková and more about her outfit: the now-iconic superhero ‘catsuit.’

Reflecting on the moment, Williams told CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies, “I didn’t know it would have such an impact. Here I am, just trying to be healthy. I was a new mom and just trying to be me. It was a great moment. I didn’t know it would cause such a stir.”

The catsuit was soon banned from future French Open tournaments by French Tennis Federation President Bernard Giudicelli, who announced a new dress code for Roland Garros, stating, “It will no longer be accepted. One must respect the game and the place.”

This decision sparked widespread criticism, notably from tennis legend Billie Jean King, who argued on social media that “policing women’s bodies must end.” Williams explained that the skintight outfit served a serious purpose, aiding her blood circulation after complications during childbirth.

Despite the backlash, Williams took Giudicelli’s comments in stride. The black catsuit featured a red band around the waist, a design detail that was almost changed. “When I first put it on, it had this red line as a mark because they were going to change it to either dark silver or black,” Williams recalled. “But I insisted, ‘No, we gotta keep this red. It’s so cool.’ And I felt so comfortable.”

Williams nostalgically reflected on the experience, saying, “Oh my God, now I’m getting sad memories because I miss it. I want to go home, put it on, and play on some clay. Oh, such good memories.” Although she hasn’t worn the outfit since that year, she added, “But I need to.”

Renowned as one of the greatest women’s tennis players of all time, Williams was “obsessed” with the catsuit because it was “so different” from anything previously worn in the traditionally conservative sport. At the time, she described feeling like a “warrior” or a “queen from Wakanda,” referencing the Marvel movie “Black Panther.”

While initial discussions about the outfit focused on fashion, there was little mention of its practical design to help Williams physically. In a 2018 opinion piece for CNN, Williams detailed her near-death experience during childbirth due to blood clots, emphasizing the catsuit’s role in promoting her health.

“I love wearing skirts,” Williams said. “But I wanted to make sure my blood was always circulating after a near-death experience. There should have been more understanding around that outfit.”

Williams credited Nike, her kit manufacturer, for their support, saying, “They know how to spark a conversation and really understand the athlete. I needed to be understood at that time, having just had a child and dealing with blood clot issues.”

Nearly six years after wearing the catsuit on the Parisian clay, Williams shared that motherhood has taught her to be “more kind to myself.” She instills the same kindness in her daughter, encouraging positive self-talk and empathy towards others.

“I’m more kind about body image, more forgiving,” she said. “And I always tell my daughter: ‘Say something nice. Is there something nice you can think of about this girl?’ Encouraging positive views and feedback starts at a young age and is crucial for mental health.”

The catsuit not only symbolized Williams’ return to tennis but also highlighted the importance of understanding and supporting athletes’ physical needs.