When two icons meet, one known for smashing tennis records and the other for changing the world through philanthropy, you don’t expect the conversation to land on hips, costumes, and body confidence. But that’s precisely what happened in a refreshingly real moment between Melinda French Gates and Serena Williams, shared in Season 2 of the “French Gates’ Moments That Make Us” series on YouTube.
The now-viral story takes place at a costume dinner party. The guests were invited to play dress-up, but the costumes were one-size-fits-most. French Gates, 60, recalled showing up late with Williams, 43, and instantly scanning the options with a familiar feeling of dread.
“I’m looking at these costumes and I’m thinking to myself, ‘There is no way one of these is going to fit my hips,'” she shared.
“And you said, ‘And you think one of them is going to fit me!'” French Gates recalled, smiling.
Celebrating Strength, Not Shrinking from It
What happened next stuck with French Gates long after the event. “I just went, ‘Oh my God. Here’s somebody who’s so real in our bodies to celebrate who we are,'” she said.
And this wasn’t their first body-confidence connection. French Gates shared that years earlier, she’d seen Williams compete at a match, and while she didn’t know much about tennis, what struck her wasn’t Serena’s strength.
© Getty Images“I happened to sit behind you [at the match] and I thought, ‘There is a woman who is so strong in her body… Why are we not all celebrating our bodies?’ And it gave me the confidence to do that.”
The Power of Representation
Williams, never shy to hype up another woman, reminded French Gates of her striking figure at the event. “I looked at you. I said, ‘Oh, you got body!'” Williams teased, making both women laugh.
French Gates, grinning, admitted, “You made me feel much better about it.”
© GC ImagesWilliams doubled down: “You got a nice body! I’m like, ‘Sis, where do you get that from?'”
Why This Moment Hits Home for So Many Women
Women, especially in leadership, are often expected to shrink, but this conversation powerfully rejected that narrative. What Melinda French Gates felt in that moment was permission to stop criticizing her reflection, to take up space, and to celebrate her strength. And it came from someone who’s made a career of breaking barriers, on and off the court.
In June, the tennis legend took to social media to share images showcasing her curves in a nautical-inspired one-piece swimsuit. With stylish white and navy stripes, a plunging neckline, and crisscross straps at the back, this swimsuit was the perfect choice for celebrating the arrival of summer. “Schools out … it’s summer and swimsuit season … hope you are ready!” she wrote in the caption, showing her excitement.
Serena posed for photos, showcasing her toned arms and confidence as she smiled at the camera. Afterward, she worked on her tan and enjoyed swimming in the pool. She completed her look with soft glam makeup, featuring rosy blush and a matching lip color.
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