Serena Williams’ journey from tennis legend to devoted wife and mother is a romance filled with serendipitous meetings, grand gestures, and life-altering moments. At the heart of this story is her husband, Alexis Ohanian, an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of Reddit, as well as their two daughters, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira River Ohanian.
Who Is Serena Williams’ Husband, Alexis Ohanian?
Serena Williams first crossed paths with Alexis Ohanian in May 2015 at the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome. The initial encounter was amusingly unromantic—Serena and her friends tried to discourage Alexis from sitting near them by warning of a “rat” at the table. Unfazed, Alexis shrugged it off, replying, “I’m from Brooklyn; I see rats all the time.”
This witty comeback broke the ice, leading to an invitation to join their table and later attend Serena’s match at the French Open. Their budding romance quickly blossomed as they explored Paris together, with visits to iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower and La Ménagerie.
By December 2016, Alexis Ohanian was ready to make a grand declaration of love. He proposed at the very spot where they had first met—the Cavalieri Hotel. Serena Williams announced their engagement on Reddit with a heartfelt poem, recounting how Alexis had packed her bags and whisked her away to Rome for the magical moment. The couple tied the knot on November 16, 2017, in a star-studded New Orleans wedding at the Contemporary Arts Center. The guest list included luminaries such as Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Eva Longoria.
Their first child, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., was born on September 1, 2017, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. The journey to Olympia’s birth was fraught with challenges. Serena underwent an emergency cesarean section after her heart rate plummeted during labor. Post-surgery, she faced a life-threatening pulmonary embolism that required multiple surgeries and a harrowing six-day hospital stay. Despite these difficulties, Serena emerged stronger, channeling her experiences into advocacy for maternal health.
Olympia, affectionately called “Junior” by her family, quickly became a social media sensation. From accompanying Serena to Paris Fashion Week to learning piano and taking golf lessons, Olympia’s life is as dynamic as her parents’. Despite showing promise on the tennis court, she prefers creative pursuits like ballet and music. In a humorous twist, Serena has often joked about Olympia’s aversion to tennis despite her natural talent.
In May 2023, Serena Williams made a dazzling announcement at the Met Gala—she was expecting her second child. Just a few months later, on August 15, 2023, the family welcomed Adira River Ohanian. Alexis shared the joyous news on Instagram, expressing his gratitude for a happy and healthy baby and mother. He described Adira’s arrival as another “incomparable gift” from Serena, lovingly dubbing her the “GMOAT” (Greatest Mother of All Time).
Serena Williams and her husband Alexis Ohanian have embraced parenthood with enthusiasm and intentionality. Olympia, who had long wished for a sibling, took on her role as a big sister with pride and joy. Photos shared by Serena often capture heartwarming moments between the sisters, showcasing their growing bond. The couple has also spoken about how parenting has deepened their relationship, with Alexis frequently praising Serena’s incredible strength and devotion to their family.
Beyond his role as a supportive husband and father, Alexis Ohanian is a tech mogul and advocate for social causes. After co-founding Reddit in 2005, he went on to launch Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm that has backed numerous successful startups. He is also a vocal proponent of paid family leave, a cause close to his heart after witnessing Serena’s post-birth struggles. In 2020, he made headlines by stepping down from Reddit’s board and urging the company to appoint a Black candidate in his place.
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian share a commitment to fostering strong family values while balancing their high-profile careers. Their love story is one of mutual respect and unwavering support. Alexis often gushes about Serena’s brilliance, while Serena credits Alexis for allowing her to shine without dimming her light. They prioritize simple joys—like family vacations and Sunday pancake traditions—amid their busy schedules.
