When you think of Serena Williams, images of her dominating Centre Court, hoisting Grand Slam trophies, and roaring in victory likely come to mind. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is universally hailed as one of the greatest athletes of all time, a titan who redefined the limits of power and grace in women’s tennis. However, in 2017, she embarked on her most challenging and rewarding journey yet – not on a tennis court, but as a wife and mother. This new chapter began not with a serve, but with a chance encounter at a hotel in Rome.
It was there, in May 2015, that Williams met Alexis Ohanian, the tech entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Reddit. Their initial meeting was pure happenstance: Williams jokingly asked Ohanian to move his seat at breakfast, claiming to have seen a rat. This playful moment sparked an unexpected and deep connection that would quickly blossom into a life together. Their relationship moved fast, and within two years, they had celebrated the birth of their first child, tied the knot in a spectacular wedding, and formed a family unit that Serena now calls her greatest achievement.
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A Love Story for the Ages: Serena Williams and Husband Alexis Ohanian
The couple officially became husband and wife on November 16, 2017. They exchanged vows at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans in a lavish, Beauty and the Beast-themed ceremony attended by a who’s who of celebrities, including Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian. The date held profound sentimental value, as it was the birthday of Ohanian’s late mother, ensuring her presence was felt throughout the celebration.
Following their wedding, Ohanian has been a constant pillar of support for Williams, particularly after her retirement from professional tennis in 2022. The couple continues to display their affection publicly, often sharing sweet tributes to each other on social media; for instance, Serena once thanked him for being “the best dad to our girls,” celebrating seven years of marriage with a heartfelt Instagram post.
For his part, Ohanian is not only a devoted husband but also a successful venture capitalist and an outspoken advocate for paid parental leave, a cause inspired by his own experiences as a father.
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Their Greatest Joy: Raising Olympia and Adira
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian are the proud parents of two beautiful daughters. Their first child, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., affectionately known as Olympia, was born on September 1, 2017, just 11 weeks before her parents’ wedding. Olympia has become a beloved social media personality, often seen twinning with her mother in glamorous outfits or playing dress-up. While she has dabbled in tennis (with an incredibly skilled coach in her mom), Williams has revealed that her eldest daughter is currently more interested in dance and piano, a passion the family wholeheartedly supports.
The family expanded on August 15, 2023, with the arrival of their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian. The proud parents have embraced life with two young children, sharing glimpses of their adventures. In a heartwarming moment that charmed the internet, Serena recently shared photos of herself teaching an adorable 2-year-old Adira the basics of tennis on their backyard court. Fans were quick to dub the toddler the “2040 US Open champion,” a testament to the legacy she could carry on.
Whether or not their girls choose to pursue tennis, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian are focused on raising them with strong values and a deep sense of individuality, ensuring their greatest legacy remains a happy and healthy family.
