Women are strong as hell – but when many women display their physical strength, they're called "manly." Serena Williams, who is globally synonymous with tennis, is no stranger to this disgusting kind of body shaming.

So after giving birth to an adorable baby girl, she took to Instagram and Reddit to pen a letter thanking her mother for making her proud of her badass body, and vowing to do the same for her own daughter.

"Dear Mom," she began. "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."

She went on to detail the horrible ways she's been body shamed for being a woman who's physically strong.

"I've been called man because I appeared outwardly strong. It has been said that that I use drugs (No, I have always had far too much integrity to behave dishonestly in order to gain an advantage). 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)."
Firstly, many women are physically stronger than men. Secondly, saying Williams belongs in men's sports and taking away her identity as a women in order to justify her accomplishments is absurd and sexist.

"I am proud we were able to show them what some women look like," she continued.

Williams then gave a shout-out to women of all body types.

"We don't all look the same. We are curvy, strong, muscular, tall, small, just to name a few, and all the same: we are women and proud! You are so classy, I only wish I could take your lead. I am trying, though, and God is not done with me yet. I have a LONG way to go, but thank you."

Williams ended the letter thanking her mom for being her role model, telling her that she will always look to her for help.

"Thank you for being the role model I needed to endure all the hardships that I now regard as a challenges--ones that I enjoy. I hope to teach my baby Alexis Olympia the same, and have the same fortitude you have had. Promise me, Mom, that you will continue to help. I'm not sure if I am as meek and strong as you are yet. I hope to get there one day. I love you dearly.

Your youngest of five,

Serena."