- Barbie Signature Launch: Mattel officially released the Barbie Signature Serena Williams Doll on October 8, 2026, timed alongside International Day of the Girl celebrations.
- Iconic Court Style: The doll recreates her green-and-white cutout top, white skirt, and sweatband look from her electric 2005 Australian Open victory.
- Full Circle Quarter-Century: Building on her initial 1999 Play Along doll, Serena’s partnership with the Barbie universe now spans over 25 years.
In case you haven’t heard the news, Serena Williams is getting a new signature Barbie.
Announced earlier today, the doll pays homage to the look from her triumphant return to Grand Slam champion and seventh singles title win in 2005, per People, and follows the company releasing her one-of-a-kind Role Model doll earlier this year.
As a millennial who was a kid in the 2000s, played tennis for two years, and wore braids with beads, I grew up watching Venus and Serena, and I can’t tell you how important it was to have that representation as a young Black girl. This recent news had me scanning my memory because I just knew I had a Serena doll growing up, and folks, I found it on eBay: it was the 1999 U.S. Grand Open Serena Williams doll, complete with braids, beads, and a cute yellow tennis dress. The brand that created it was Play Along Toys, which was actually a part of the Barbie franchise, meaning Serena and Barbie have had a good thing going for over 25 years.
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Recreating the 2005 Australian Open Magic
For this official 2026 Barbie Signature release, Mattel’s design team pulled inspiration directly from her legendary comeback run at the 2005 Australian Open.
The doll meticulously captures her signature court style down to the finest detail:
- The Fit: A vibrant green-and-white cutout top with mesh accents, paired with a crisp white tennis skirt.
- The Accessories: Athletic high socks, white performance sneakers, dangling silver earrings and a white headband.
- On-Court Gear: Equipped with a miniature Wilson tennis racket and ball, ready to serve on an included display stand.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Champions
Timed right ahead of International Day of the Girl on October 11, the release also supports the Barbie Dream Gap Project with a donation to Mrs. Rina’s House of Blessings, a Florida-based nonprofit close to Serena’s heart.
Seeing her journey go from a 1999 Play Along release to an official Barbie Signature collectible captures a full-circle moment for those of us who watched her transform the sport. For the young girls picking up this doll today, it serves as a daily reminder that they can step onto any court, break any barrier, and win on their own terms.
Featured Photo: Mattel; eBay
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