Serena Williams is “sensitive” about her “thick arms.” The muscular tennis star, who has her own clothing and skin care range, struggles to find flattering outfits and wishes she looked like slim US First Lady Michelle Obama.

Serena explained: “I think my thighs are too big. But also my arms. I think they’re too muscular. They’re too thick. I’m sensitive about my arms. I know that toned arms are in now. Look at Michelle Obama. She has great arms, and I think it’s wonderful that she shows them off like that! I love her for that. I’m like, ‘Keep wearing strapless dresses!’ But I don’t like mine.”

Serena has written a memoir, called On the Line, about her tennis career, becoming a fashion designer, and the 2003 murder of her eldest sister, Yetunde.

The 27-year-old athlete, who gained 20lbs after the death of Yetunde, wants young women to accept their body shape and not feel under pressure to lose weight.

“I wanted to explain how I see things. I wanted to talk about my body and my sisters, my career, what I’ve learned, what I’m still learning. I want women to know that it’s OK. You can be whatever size you are, and you can be beautiful both inside and out. We’re always told what’s beautiful and what’s not, and that’s not right.For some reason, everyone is obsessed with weight. Are you bigger? Are you smaller? And everyone cares about that! It’s insane. Some days, I’ll be bigger. Other days, I’ll be smaller. It’s not a big deal.”