Serena Williams, one of the greatest athletes of all time, has been honoured with a second Barbie doll this year. Mattel’s new collectible Barbie Signature doll is released to mark the International Day of the Girl on 11 October, and celebrates her career on court.
A doll for her tennis career
Earlier this year, Mattel released a doll marking International Women’s Day, which highlighted the business career Williams built after stepping away from competition. The toy giant has now teamed up with her again on a second doll, this time dedicated to her achievements on court.
The 2005 Australian Open outfit
The doll wears the outfit in which Williams beat Lindsay Davenport at the 2005 Australian Open, winning her seventh Grand Slam singles title.
It comes in a light green and white sports outfit. The signature top features cut-outs and mesh details, and is paired with a white skirt. The look is completed with:
- a matching wristband
- tennis accessories
- curly hair in a slightly lighter blonde shade, reflecting Williams’ current look
The doll holds a racket and a tennis ball.
“It’s a special moment that I can share playing with my daughters, just like with the first one. They represent my two sides, the business side and the athletic side,” Williams told TODAY.
Why she chose the 2005 final
“When we were looking at different looks, we went back and forth a lot, but this one kept standing out. The colours are fantastic, and we felt it had a really powerful story to tell,” she said.
“That Grand Slam meant so much to me. I came back from a lot of setbacks, and even in the final I was way behind on the score,” she recalled of the 2-6, 6-3, 6-0 victory.
“But somehow, I never gave up. So when I play with my daughters, I always want to teach them never to give up either.”
Playing with her daughters
Her two daughters with husband Alexis Ohanian, Olympia, 9, and Adira, 3, play with both dolls all the time.
“Just yesterday we were playing with the athletic version, because they love anything new. My doll is the mum doll, so that’s fun,” she said, smiling.
Williams has previously said that her daughters’ wish to see her play was the main reason for her return to tennis a few months ago. The two girls are often in the stands to support her.
“For my daughters, it doesn’t matter whether I win or lose. They’re just happy to be there. They love it, and so do I,” she said.
With information from TODAY
