Serena Williams refuses to age herself in iconic Barbie throwback
The tennis legend is reliving one of her most memorable looks, but she has a different year in mind
Barbie is turning back the clock with an iconic release that takes fans to 2005, when Serena Williams was ready to serve. The doll comes with a tennis racket, headband, white skirt, lime-green jacket and matching socks, recreating one of the tennis star's memorable looks.
Williams celebrated the throwback with a video, revealing that her daughters are big fans of playing with Barbies. Even her youngest is starting to join in, leaving the former tennis champion amazed that her children are now playing with a doll modeled after their own mother.
Serena Williams imagines playing Barbie with her daughters
Excited about the release, Williams joked about the moments she expects to share with her daughters while playing with the doll. She imagined Barbie telling the girls it was time for bed and said she could not wait to play with them.
Williams also took a closer look at the doll, pointing out how accurately its strong leg muscles represent her physique. When she recognized the outfit, however, she joked that it was actually from 2025 rather than 2005, refusing to age herself with the throwback.
A new Barbie celebrates Williams' legacy
The honor adds another accolade to Williams' career. The tennis icon has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, and she sees the doll as another step toward greater inclusion.
Growing up , Williams did not often see girls who looked like her being told they could achieve anything . She hopes the doll will help young girls recognize their own potential, dream big, work hard, change direction and break barriers. For Williams, having her own Barbie is meaningful because it shows girls that they can become whatever they choose.
The doll is dressed in an outfit modeled after the one Williams wore at the 2005 Australian Open , complete with a white tennis skirt layered under a lime-green jacket. The Serena Williams Barbie will be available online through retailers including Amazon and Walmart for just under $45. While this is the latest official Serena Williams Barbie, it is not the first time Mattel has recognized the tennis superstar. Still, seeing Williams receive the full Barbie treatment makes this release a special addition to her collection of honors.
