Venus Williams is back in action with the WTA 1000 Miami Open after ending her run at the Indian Wells Open, where she competed in both the singles and mixed doubles categories. The legend entered the tournament at Hard Rock Stadium as a wildcard and stole the show in a custom-made Lacoste jacket adorned with beads honoring her signature braided hairstyle.
Venus Williams’s Miami Open Jacket Steals the Spotlight
Undeterred by health setbacks and injuries, Williams has returned to the competition for her 33rd season, determined to build on a legacy that already features 49 WTA singles titles, seven majors, and 22 doubles titles alongside her sister Serena.
After tying the knot with Andrea Preti, the Italian film director, actor, and screenwriter, Williams is competing in her 2026 season. She had played in the ASB Classic, Hobart International, and the Australian Open with a wildcard, becoming the oldest woman to compete in the main draw.
After that, she played at the ATX Open and then at Indian Wells, where she concluded her journey with a round of 128 loss to Diane Parry. In the mixed doubles, Williams and Christian Harrison lost to Julian Cash and Demi Schuurs in the round of 16.
The legendary player won the Miami Open titles in 1998, 1999, and 2001 and has now returned to the tournament in a stunning silver jacket custom-made by French luxury brand Lacoste, which had announced Williams as one of its brand ambassadors in 2022.
In her recent X post, NY Times writer Jessica Schiffer shed light on the iconic jacket, adding its design details and other striking features, “Venus Williams’ jacket is custom Lacoste, a leather piece inspired by the brand’s FW ’26 collection with a silver mirror finish meant to evoke her trophies, a hand embroidered illustration of her, and (my favorite detail) 814 hand-sewn beads inspired by her signature braids that spell out “Game Changer.””
Venus Williams’ jacket is custom Lacoste, a leather piece inspired by the brand’s FW ’26 collection with a silver mirror finish meant to evoke her trophies, a hand embroidered illustration of her, and (my favorite detail) 814 hand-sewn beads inspired by her signature braids that… https://t.co/91ZPmymnH0
— Jessica Schiffer (@jessicaschiffer) March 19, 2026
Among the details, the French luxury sports fashion company honored Williams with beadwork on the jacket, which references her iconic braided hairstyles, which she sported alongside her sister through the 90s and early 2000s.
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Williams chose her signature look, featuring silver, black, and crystal-clear beads, for the premiere of ‘King Richard,’ in 2021. The biographical sports drama film, which was based on the journey of the Williams sisters.
Coming onto her court action in Miami, Williams has lost the round of 128 to Francesca Jones with a final scoreline of 7-5, 7-5. In doubles, she is set to play the round of 32 with her partner Leylah Fernandez against Erin Routliffe and Asia Muhammad.
