Serena Williams to body-shamers: I’ve got Grand Slams to win

Serena Williams is in the second round of the US Open, aiming to be the first woman to win a calendar Grand Slam since Steffi Graf in 1988.

The internet being what it is, and people being what they are, the 33-year-old has faced sexist, body-shaming and racist abuse all year.

We brought you news earlier this year of JK Rowling jumping to Serena’s defence after a troll decided to criticise her appearance instead of congratulate her on just winning Wimbledon.

In an interview with Good Morning America on the eve of the tournament, Serena said she had “learned to love me”.

She told host Robin Roberts:

I've been like this my whole life, and I embrace me and I love how I look. I love that I am a full woman, and I'm strong and I'm powerful and I'm beautiful at the same time. And there's nothing wrong with that.

She added:

I just don't have time to be brought down. I have too many things to do, you know. I have Grand Slams to win. I have people to inspire. And that's what I'm here for.

More: Serena Williams has an unexpected message for the haters