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Serena Williams reveals she designed the garish yellow tennis ensemble slammed as 'hideous' by Australian Open spectators - to bring 'pop culture and fun' to the courts

• Serena, 34, has been playing at the Australian tournament in a yellow crop top and pleated skirt, which she designed for Nike
• Social media users have been criticizing the look, which she has been sporting since Friday
• The athlete - who has won the tournament six times already - said she wanted to pair a 'classic' skirt with a 'popular' crop top for the look 

Serena Williams has been earning criticism for the bright yellow crop top ensemble she's been wearing at Australian Open since Friday, but the tennis star says she designed the outfit herself - and is trying to bring pop culture to the court.

The 31-year-old - who has won the tournament six times, most recently in 2015 - is known for trying to incorporate fashion into the game.

'I've been on tour for a long time,' she said. 'I've been wearing so many different designs. I just wanted to push the envelope again, just bring pop culture to tennis, kind of make it really fun.' 

Buzzy yellow outfit: Social media users have been criticizing Serena Williams' bright yellow Nike outfit, which she designed herself for the Australian Open

Inspiration: The 34-year-old said she was trying to bring pop culture, youth, and 'fun-ness' to tennis