Serena Williams said the 'Black Panther'-style catsuits she wears to play make her feel 'like a warrior princess'

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Serena Williams.

• Serena Williams marked her return to Grand Slam tennis by wearing a "Black Panther"-style catsuit that made her feel like a superhero from Wakanda.
• The catsuit's main purpose is to help prevent blood clots, but it also has the added advantage of making Williams feel like a "warrior princess."
• Whatever the intention, the catsuit clearly worked as Williams romped to a straight sets victory over Karolína Plíšková in her debut 2018 French Open match on Tuesday.
• She now takes on Ashley Barty in the Round of 64 on Thursday.

Serena Williams romped to a straight sets victory over Karolína Plíšková in the 2018 French Open on Tuesday.

It was her first major tennis match since triumphing at the 2017 Australian Open while eight weeks pregnant - and she won while wearing a "Black Panther"-style catsuit that made her feel "like a warrior princess" from Wakanda, the fictional nation from the Marvel Comics film.

The outfit was more than a fashion statement as it is designed to help prevent blood clots, according to The Guardian.

But it also has the added advantage of making Williams feel like a superhero from "Black Panther."

Williams said: "I call it, like, my Wakanda-inspired catsuit. We designed it way before the movie, but still, it kind of reminds me of that."

Here's a closer look at the suit:

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"I'm always living in a fantasy world," Williams added. "I always wanted to be a superhero and it's kind of my way of being a superhero."

Williams did not compete in tennis after winning the 2017 Australian Open. She gave birth to her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, in September, but suffered complications during labour that postponed her eventual return to competitive sport.

"It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically, with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves," Williams said.

"I definitely feel like it is an opportunity for me to inspire a whole different group of amazing women and kids."

Williams takes on Ashley Barty, the world number 17, in a French Open Round of 64 match on Thursday.