If there’s anything that defines a true champion more than celebrating record-breaking wins, it’s giving us a lesson in bouncing back from a loss. And after her defeat in the US Open women’s final, sporting superstar Serena Williams did exactly that.

Proving the show must go on even when you’ve suffered a huge disappointment, the tennis star took to the runway at New York Fashion Week to present the Fall 2019 collection of her clothing line, S by Serena, with one very special guest by her side.

Taking to the runway after her second showing at NYWF came to a close, Williams’ two-year-old daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. made her fashion week debut in her mother’s arms. Understandably, the crowd went wild as they showed their love for the pair, to which Williams put her hand over her heart in appreciation. 

The collection, as Williams explained backstage to one publication, was specifically centred around female empowerment.

“It’s really important for me to be all-inclusive. I really love the word inclusivity and not exclusivity — I think that’s just better,” she commented. “I think it’s so important for everyone to feel like they can see an outfit and think, ‘Oh, that looks like me and I feel good in it.’ It doesn’t matter what colour they are.”

Olympia’s cameo comes in the wake of a heartwarming Instagram post that Williams shared in the middle of her US Open run, celebrating how fulfilling motherhood has been since her birth. 

“The last 2 years have been my greatest accomplishment,” she captioned alongside a photo of her cradling her newborn baby, with her husband Alexis Ohanian looking on.

Serving up a masterclass in resilience is nothing out of the ordinary for the tennis champion. Last month, Williams gave a moving tribute to her opponent Bianca Andreescu after retiring from the Roger’s Cup final with an upper-back injury, emphasising the strength of her sportsmanship even when things don’t go quite to plan.

“I was really sad and she made me feel a lot better, so that was really nice,” she told reporters. “She’s just a fabulous personality.

“I’m officially a fan,” she added. “She’s an old soul. She’s only 19. She definitely doesn’t seem like a 19-year-old. Her words on the court. Her game. Her attitude. Her actions.”     

With 23 Grand Slam victories, 72 WTA titles, a 343-48 Grand Slam record and four Olympic golds to her name, it’s only a matter of time before Williams is back on the court and moving towards equalling Maragret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Until that moment, it’s safe to say she’s definitely won New York Fashion Week. 

Images: Getty