LOOKING ACE Serena Williams shows off her incredible ‘strong body’ in the new issue of Sports Illustrated – and hopes she inspires other women with similar physiques

SERENA Williams is the latest star to proudly display her figure for the 2017 swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated magazine.

The iconic tennis player showcases her famous physique in a striking turquoise one piece by popular online retailer, Private Party, as she struck her best pose on an idyllic beach.

Serena, 35, also wore a belly chain for the shoot while her weave was styled in beachy waves.

Another shot sees the tennis champion taking a shower in a classic red bikini as her famous derriere takes centre stage.

In her video interview for the shoot, Serena admitted: “I want people to come away with the fact that it’s okay to be comfortable in your body. “I’m not a size two. It’s okay to look good and feel good and I’m strong. It’s okay to look strong and to be sexy and to be a woman and to be unbreakable — all those things.”

She added: “I really want to have that influence for people out there that have my body type. I want them to be like, ‘I look good too.’ That’s what I hope for.

The newly-engaged beauty also admitted the shoot was a first for her as she said: “I’ve never worn a thong bikini, so for that to be my first shot was like a shot of espresso for me because I had to wake up immediately.

“The thong is perfect, it really made me feel comfortable. I’m officially a thong girl now!”

The tennis pro recently announced she’s set to marry the Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and flaunted her stand-out piece engagement ring.

In a snap posted on Reddit, the star looks in bliss as she cuddles up to her man on holiday, with her ring on full display as she rests her hand on her partner’s chest.

Serena is dressed down in a white vest top, a puff black skirt and trainers, as the pair enjoy a date night in a romantic, lit-up street.