Swimsuit stars: Serena, Caro, Genie make mag

“Each situation brings its own set of challenges, but I honestly think SI is more nerve racking (than playing in front of thousands of people at a Grand Slam) just because it’s so iconic.”

That was what Serena Williams told Sports Illustrated after making her first appearance in the Swimsuit issue since 2003.

The world No.1 and 23-time major champion was joined by fellow tennis stars Caroline Wozniacki – making her third straight appearance – and Eugenie Bouchard in the annual magazine issue.

Wozniacki told SI that she had helped convince Serena to return to the fold.

“We talked about it when we were hanging out one night and we sent a picture to [SI Swimsuit assistant managing editor] MJ [Day] and we were like, I think we should shoot together next year!” Wozniacki said.

“I guess she thought that was a great idea.”

Added Williams: “The shoot was amazing, but it was also pretty hard. I had to be really focused because I had to make sure all my body angles were right and my hands were in the right place and little details like that.

“I cut back a lot on carbs and did a lot more cardio. I always try to watch what I eat and I typically eat relatively healthy, but I knew I had to get really serious for this.”

The three tennis stars joined fellow athletes Simone Biles and Aly Raisman – part of the US women’s gymnastics team – for the 2017 issue, which features three different covers all graced by Kate Upton.