Serena Williams, the 42-year-old tennis legend, continues to captivate audiences not just on the court but also on the red carpet. With an estimated net worth of $250 million, Williams has gracefully transitioned from her tennis career to focusing on her growing family. Recently, she made a stunning appearance at the 2024 ESPY Awards, accompanied by her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their eldest daughter, Olympia. The family’s presence at the event highlighted their close bond and the new chapter in Williams’ life as a mother of two.
Red Carpet Debut
Serena Williams and her family turned heads at the 2024 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. Williams, who hosted the annual awards show, walked the red carpet in a striking black gown by Giorgio Armani Privé, complete with silver straps and complemented by David Yurman jewelry. Her daughter, Olympia, who is now six years old, coordinated beautifully with her mother, wearing a silver drop-waist dress and matching sandals. Alexis Ohanian, Williams’ husband and co-founder of Reddit, rounded out the family’s ensemble with a black suit and bright blue Nike sneakers, adding a touch of casual flair to the formal event.
This marked Olympia’s first red carpet appearance in over two years. The last time she was seen at a public event of this scale was in March 2022, when she accompanied her mother to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards luncheon in Beverly Hills. Now, with a growing family and a life full of new experiences, the Ohanian-Williams clan continues to share their journey with the world.
Family Life Transition
Serena Williams has always been candid about her journey into motherhood, especially following her retirement from professional tennis. In August 2023, Williams and Ohanian welcomed their second child, a daughter named Adira River Ohanian. The couple announced their second pregnancy in May 2023, just before attending the Met Gala, where Williams revealed her baby bump in a stunning dress designed for the occasion. The news was met with excitement from fans and family alike, particularly from Olympia, who had been eagerly praying for a sibling.
During an interview on TODAY with Hoda & Jenna in April 2024, Williams opened up about the joys and challenges of motherhood. She shared how life as a mom keeps her busier than her days as a professional athlete. “As a mom, I’m actually way more active than what I was during tennis,” Williams said, reflecting on her new daily routines that include volunteering at her daughter’s school and spending quality time with her children.
Olympia’s Joyful Spirit
Olympia, born on September 1, 2017, has grown into a vibrant and active child who shares her mother’s love for tennis and her father’s passion for technology. From a young age, Olympia has been a mini-me to her famous mom, often seen playing tennis and engaging in various activities that reflect her energetic personality. Despite her young age, Olympia has already amassed a significant following on social media, with her parent-managed Instagram account boasting over 600,000 followers.
Serena Williams has often shared endearing moments with Olympia, highlighting their close bond. In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Williams was asked to rate her daughter’s tennis skills, to which she humorously responded, “Ummm… Are you asking as a mom or an athlete?” Williams acknowledged that while Olympia enjoys tennis, she has other interests, including her beloved doll Qai Qai, dressing up as princesses, and having lightsaber battles.
Olympia’s excitement about becoming a big sister was palpable when her parents revealed the news of Williams’ second pregnancy. In a YouTube video shared by Williams, Olympia’s reaction to learning about her sibling was a mix of disbelief and joy. The video captured the heartwarming moment when Olympia hugged her mom and expressed her happiness at the news.
Welcoming Adira River
The arrival of Adira River Ohanian in August 2023 was a momentous occasion for the family. Williams and Ohanian shared the news with their followers, with Ohanian proudly calling his wife the “GMOAT” (Greatest Mother Of All Time). The couple’s announcement was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans worldwide.
Williams has continued to document her journey through motherhood, sharing glimpses of her life with her two daughters. In one memorable YouTube video, Williams revealed her positive pregnancy test and the humorous moment when Olympia, noticing her mother’s changing figure, innocently remarked that she was getting “fat.” The video showed the tender moment when Williams explained to Olympia that her “fat” was actually a baby growing in her belly, to which Olympia responded with excitement.
Challenges and Resilience
Serena Williams has faced her share of challenges, both on and off the court. Her pregnancy with Olympia was marked by complications, including a pulmonary embolism that nearly cost her life. In a candid essay for CNN, Williams detailed the difficulties she encountered during childbirth, emphasizing the importance of advocating for one’s health.
Despite these challenges, Williams has shown remarkable resilience, balancing her career, family life, and personal health. Her journey as a mother has not only redefined her life but has also inspired countless others who look up to her as a role model.
Looking Ahead
As Serena Williams continues to embrace her role as a mother and wife, she remains a powerful figure in both the sports world and popular culture. Her ability to transition from a legendary tennis career to a fulfilling family life is a testament to her strength and determination. With Alexis Ohanian by her side and their two beautiful daughters, Williams’ story is far from over. The future holds new adventures for the Ohanian-Williams family, as they continue to share their lives with the world, inspiring others along the way.