Serena Williams has taken aim at a Paris restaurant after being ‘denied access’ to the rooftop of the establishment with her children. The tennis hero was a torch bearer for the Paris Olympics, which got underway last month in the French capital.
Williams touched down in Paris in July and sailed down the River Seine on a high-speed boat during her official duties.
She was accompanied by fellow tennis star Rafael Nadal, former sprinter Carl Lewis and ex-gymnast Nadia Comaneci.
Williams has taken the opportunity to watch some of the Olympics action since the Games got underway, but decided to pop out for some food on Monday afternoon.
However, her experience didn’t live up to her expectations as she revealed on X: “Yikes @peninsulaparis. I’ve been denied access to rooftop to eat in an empty restaurant of nicer places, but never with my kids. Always a first. #Olympic2024.”
Tennis fans on the social media platform were quick to offer their support to the 42-year-old, with one social media user even contacting the restaurant to demand answers.
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During the Olympic Games opening ceremony, Williams also walked down the red carpet in front of Eiffel Tower and was flanked by her husband Alexis Ohanian and eldest daughter Olympia.
Her husband held an umbrella over her head to shield her from the pouring rain and was described by a commentator on Eurosport as an “umbrella holder”.
“She looks absolutely incredible,” said the commentator. “She’s got someone just behind us holding an umbrella. Those are the levels you aspire to. To have an actual umbrella holder behind you.”
Ohanian, who is the co-founder of Reddit, saw the funny side of the error and later posted on Instagram: “Olympia. Serena. Serena’s Personal Umbrella Holder. Let the games begin! I’ll be watching a lot of T&F to soak up @athlos inspiration.”
Williams is one of the greatest tennis players in the history of the sport, having won an incredible 23 Grand Slam trophies throughout her illustrious career.
The blockbuster star won seven Australian Open titles and lifted three French Open trophies. She also clinched the top prize at Wimbledon on seven occasions, while tasting glory at the US Open six times.
Williams proved to be a tough competitor at the Olympic Games as well and won singles and doubles gold medals at London 2012. She also clinched gold in the doubles at Sydney 2000 and Beijing 2008, and retired from the sport in 2022.
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