The Met Gala 2026 is almost here. The spotlight is already on global stars arriving in New York City. Tennis legend Serena Williams grabbed attention at a pre-Met Gala dinner hosted by
Anna Wintour. The 23-time Grand Slam champion arrived in a striking red slit bodycon dress, paired with black stilettos. While the look matched the “Fashion is Art” theme, it quickly became a hot topic online as fans began sharing strong opinions about her outfit choice.
Soon after her appearance, photos and videos of Serena Williams went viral across social media platforms. However, not all reactions were positive. Several fans criticized the styling and fit of the outfit. Some felt the dress did not suit her personality or status. Despite the backlash, Williams once again proved that she can dominate headlines, even off the tennis court, just days before one of fashion’s biggest nights.
Serena Williams’ pre-Met Gala 2026 dinner outfit leaves fans in shock as they disapprove of her dress
Serena Williams turned heads with her bold fashion choice, but the reaction online was sharply divided. Many fans expressed their disappointment. Some said the outfit looked poorly styled. While others felt it did not reflect her iconic status. A few even described the look as “too much” and lacking proper tailoring. The criticism continued as more users joined the conversation, questioning the overall presentation.
One fan wrote, "Too rich for this foolishness", while other commented, “"There’s too much going on and not in a good way." One user even wrote, “The dress looks like the last one on the rack. It’s not for her." While another fan wrote, "NOPE SISTER. Please don’t do this again”.
Despite the negative comments, Williams remains one of the most influential figures in sports and fashion. She has often taken risks with her outfits. Moreover, she has never been afraid to experiment with her style. Over the years, she has used fashion as a form of self-expression, both on and off the court.
Meanwhile, her other recent social media posts have also grabbed attention. Williams shared pictures from a beach outing, wearing a cheetah-printed dress. Her former rival,
Maria Sharapova reacted with a playful comment. She hinted at a possible comeback.
This comes amid ongoing speculation about Williams returning to tennis. Reports suggest she has re-entered the anti-doping testing pool in late 2025. This has made her eligible for competition again. While there is no official confirmation, fans continue to hope for a return. They hope she possibly returns alongside her sister, Venus Williams.