Stay Updated on Developing Stories

Serena Williams shows off her incredible post-baby body

Story highlights
  • Williams gave birth September 1
  • She's talked about criticism of her body

(CNN) Get it Serena Williams!

The tennis superstar has snapped back in a big way since giving birth.

Her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., was born September 1 and is the first for Williams and her fiancé, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.

Related - 'Hello, world:' Meet Serena Williams' baby girl

On Thursday, she shared a selfie on her official Instagram account showing her slimmed down physique in a black t-shirt and what appears to be either black short shorts or a pair of undies.

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)

In a recent letter to her mother posted on Reddit, Williams talked about her powerful physique and wrote, "I was looking at my daughter (OMG, yes, I have a daughter) and she has my arms and legs! My exact same strong, muscular, powerful, sensational arms and body."

Dear Mom, You are one of the strongest women I know. I was looking at my daughter (OMG, yes, I have a daughter 😳) and she has my arms and legs! My exact same strong, muscular, powerful, sensational arms and body. I don't know how I would react if she has to go through what I've gone through since I was a 15 year old and even to this day.... Read the rest on my @Reddit profile. Link in bio.

"It has been said I don't belong in Women's sports -- that I belong in Men's -- because I look stronger than many other women do. (No, I just work hard and I was born with this badass body and proud of it)," she wrote.

Williams showed off that powerful and very pregnant physique for a Vanity Fair cover story in the August issue. She appeared nude with her baby bump and marveled in disbelief about her pregnancy.
"It just doesn't seem real ... If you would have told me last year in October or November that I would have a baby, not be pregnant but have a baby, I would have thought you were the biggest liar in the world," Williams said at the time.

Outbrain