Fans engaged in a heated debate regarding body styles after tennis great Serena Williams showed off her body transformation on social media.

Serena Williams’ recent selfie has fans divided on social media (Image: Instagram: @serenawilliams)

Serena Williams’ most recent selfie on Instagram has sparked a massive debate on her body transformation, which comes roughly a month after she first displayed her progress.

The tennis great has maintained a relatively low profile since retiring three years ago, but it is clear the 23-time Grand Slam champion is still taking care of her physique. In mid-July, the legend posted a handful of photos on Instagram from a gym session and showed off just how in shape she remains despite walking away from the game three years ago.

That post comes months after she shared a video in January 2024, sharing how she is committed to living a lifestyle she wants to live. And now, fans are left pondering Williams’ health after she posted a selfie of herself looking more trim compared to her playing days.

One fan said: “I loved the body before… healthy, strong, beautiful and real. I promise you this is not a negative comment.”

A second fan expressed their feelings on seeing the tennis great look different from what they are accustomed to. “This makes me sad and reading the comments is exactly what I’ve been thinking,” the comment began.

“She was so beautiful in her natural self. I really hate this world and how every woman feels like they have to look the same and fit into the European standard of beauty. I am a hairstylist, and I am a multicultural stylist, and one of my favorite things is to honor every woman that sits in my chair in her unique beauty, and to just simply enhance that not to completely change it.”

Other fans defended Williams’ recent transformation, with one stating: “You guys don’t even know if she’s sick and yall are dragging her. Stay beautiful.” Another fan followed suit, posting “Why can’t people just embrace each others bodies, one day we too thicccc another too thin. We can’t win! Serena if your happy I say enjoy!”

Williams takes pride in her focus on a healthy weight and lifestyle. Speaking to Women’s Health, the legend explained how much being in good shape means to her.

“Fitness will always be a part of my life,” she admitted to the outlet. “My whole life has been fitness, so it’s weird now that I’m not necessarily playing professional sport.

“It’s still a huge part of my life. I think I view it the same. I try to be fit. I think the older you get, the more muscle you want—I know I do. Living a healthy life is so important for me.”

She added that body positivity was important, claiming: “I’ve always been someone that felt like you have to just love who you are, and I’ve always felt that way. I just try to be the best person I can be, and that’s all I try to do. And for my kids to see that—that’s it. I don’t try to be anything different.”

What’s more, Williams had a five-word response when asked by TMZ recently about her new physique and her wellbeing in the years after she walked away from tennis. “Look good, feel good, right?” she replied.