Serena Williams flies spirit of Australia

Serena Williams’ bold fashion statement at the Australian Open had frequent flyers doing a double take.

Serena Williams at the Australian Open in an outfit that bears a striking resemblance to a Qantas cabin crew member. Picture: Twitter

Emirates might be the official airline of the Australian Open but Qantas is getting a free kick courtside, thanks to Serena Williams’ eye-catching new outfit.

The 10th seed unveiled the striking pink, red and black one-legged catsuit to the delight of the crowd at Rod Laver Arena, before her first round win over Laura Siegemund 6-1 6-1.

Living up to her reputation of making bold fashion statements, the seven times Open champion did not disappoint in the Nike outfit. Yet it was impossible not to compare the geometric design and colours to that of Qantas’s Martin Grant-designed uniform.

Qantas employees were quick to notice the striking similarity and could not be happier. “We think she aced it,” said a spokeswoman.

Social media users also called out the likeness, posting side-by-side images and asking “Who wore it better?”

Others asked whether Williams was working for Qantas.

The 39-year-old later revealed the spark behind the outfit was not Australia’s national carrier but late US track star Florence Griffith-Joyner, whose records in the 100m and 200m still stand.

“I was inspired by Flo-Jo, who was a wonderful track athlete, amazing athlete when I was growing up,” Williams said.

“Watching her fashion, just always changing. Her outfits were always amazing.”

Last year, Williams turned heads at Melbourne Park with a striking green jumpsuit known as the “Serena-tard”, and has previously donned a black catsuit for the French Open and a pink tutu at the US Open.

The free publicity could not come at a better time for Qantas, which launched a major airfare sale on Monday in an effort to stimulate domestic travel.

If Williams can win the Open, she will equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles. Williams said her walkover victory in the first round was “a good start … Definitely vintage ‘Rena. I think I am ­pretty good at pacing myself in a grand slam,” she said.

“Last year was very crazy for the world and to be able to do what I love and come out and compete in a grand slam after the last 12 months is pretty crazy.”