<img src="https://healthylife7.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/previews-the-championships-wimbledon-2026.jpg" alt="Serena Williams’ Weight Loss Controversy Takes Over Cincinnati Open”>
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Serena Williams’ Weight Loss Controversy Takes Over Cincinnati Open
Originally posted on
Athlon Sports
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By Sagar Ashtakoula
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Last updated Aug 15, 2026 3:26 PM ET
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One of the main reasons tennis fans have plenty to be excited about at the Cincinnati Open is the return of American tennis legend Serena Williams. While Serena isn’t competing in singles, she is back on the court in doubles alongside her sister, Venus Williams, giving fans another chance to watch the iconic duo team up
While much of the attention has naturally been on Serena’s return to competitive tennis, there has also been plenty of discussion surrounding her weight loss and fitness. During the opening rounds of the Cincinnati Open, fans and journalists noticed Ro, a telehealth company’s aerial banner flying over the Lindner Family Tennis Center
Why Is Serena Williams’ Weight Loss Making Headlines?
The advertisement featured Serena Williams administering a GLP-1 injection, immediately drawing attention online. The stunt sparked a strong reaction from tennis fans and journalists, with some describing it as “dystopian” and “bizarre.” Critics questioned the decision to promote weight-loss medication so prominently over a professional sporting event and argued that elite athletes should not be associated with the idea of taking shortcuts to achieve a leaner physique
Serena injecting herself from the skies in Cincy… pic.twitter.com/XOcvqXyTzx
— Blair Henley (@BlairHenley) August 13, 2026
Serena, however, has been open about her own experience with the medication. She is an official brand ambassador for Ro and has previously spoken about losing 34 pounds with the help of Zepbound, a GLP-1 medication, as part of her post-pregnancy weight-loss journey and efforts to manage her blood sugar levels
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has also spoken about wanting to reduce the stigma surrounding GLP-1 medications. Her association with Ro has therefore been a fairly public one, although it is worth noting that Ro is not Serena’s company. She is a paid brand ambassador and spokesperson for the platform, while her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, is an early investor in the company and sits on its board of directors
Serena Williams serves against Maya Joint at The Championships Wimbldon 2026 at All England Lawn Tennis Club. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesGeoff Burke-Imagn Images
Still, the conversation surrounding Serena’s weight has taken a back seat now that she is back competing alongside Venus. The sisters will face Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in their doubles campaign, giving Serena an opportunity to shift the focus back to what she has always done best: letting her tennis do the talking
With the US Open approaching, Serena will have plenty of attention on her comeback. And after all the discussion surrounding her fitness and weight loss, only Serena can provide the ultimate answer with her racquet on the court
This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission
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