Serena Williams is a name that needs no introduction in the world of sports. As one of the greatest tennis players of all time, she has dominated the court for decades. However, beyond her athletic achievements, Serena’s personal life has also been a subject of curiosity, especially her relationship with her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
In this article, we’ll dive into who Alexis Ohanian is, his background, his relationship with Serena, and their family life.
Who is Alexis Ohanian?
Alexis Ohanian is an entrepreneur, investor, and the co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s largest online communities. Born on April 24, 1983, in Brooklyn, New York, Alexis is known for his innovative mind and business acumen. He played a significant role in shaping the digital landscape with Reddit, which has become a go-to platform for discussions on almost any topic.
Early Life and Education
Ohanian grew up in Maryland and attended the University of Virginia, where he studied commerce and history. During his college years, he met Steve Huffman, and together, they launched Reddit in 2005. The platform quickly gained popularity and was later sold to Condé Nast in 2006. Despite the sale, Ohanian continued to be involved in the tech industry, founding and investing in various startups.
Entrepreneurial Success
After selling Reddit, Alexis co-founded Initialized Capital, a venture capital firm that has funded several successful startups. He has also been an advocate for open internet policies and is deeply involved in the tech world.
How Did Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Meet?
Serena and Alexis first met in 2015 in Rome. The encounter was quite spontaneous—both were staying at the same hotel, and Alexis happened to sit near Serena at breakfast. Despite initial skepticism, the two struck up a conversation, and their connection quickly deepened.
Their relationship blossomed, and Alexis made grand romantic gestures, including flying Serena to Paris for a spontaneous date. The couple kept their relationship relatively private but eventually made it public in 2016.
The Romantic Proposal and Dream Wedding
Alexis Ohanian proposed to Serena Williams in December 2016 in the very place they first met—Rome. His proposal was nothing short of magical, with a surprise setup at the hotel where their love story began.
The couple tied the knot on November 16, 2017, in a lavish ceremony in New Orleans. The star-studded event was attended by celebrities like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Anna Wintour. Their wedding was inspired by Beauty and the Beast, making it a fairytale celebration.
Family Life and Parenthood
Serena and Alexis welcomed their first child, Olympia Ohanian, on September 1, 2017, just a few months before their wedding. Olympia has since become a social media sensation, often appearing in adorable photos and videos with her parents.
Alexis has been vocal about his role as a father, advocating for parental leave and actively participating in Olympia’s upbringing. The couple has embraced parenting with love and humor, often sharing glimpses of their life on social media.
In 2023, they welcomed their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, further expanding their happy family.
Alexis Ohanian’s Support for Serena
One of the most admired aspects of their relationship is how supportive Alexis has been of Serena’s career. Whether it’s cheering from the stands, celebrating her victories, or encouraging her ventures outside of tennis, Alexis has always stood by her side.
When Serena announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2022, Alexis was her biggest cheerleader, expressing immense pride in her accomplishments and future endeavors.
Life Beyond Tennis and Business
Beyond their individual careers, Serena and Alexis have also ventured into philanthropy. Serena has been an advocate for gender equality in sports, while Alexis has focused on increasing diversity in tech. Together, they’ve worked on projects that aim to create positive change.
Their journey as a couple is a testament to love, support, and shared ambitions. Despite coming from different worlds—sports and tech—they’ve built a strong, loving partnership that continues to inspire many.
FAQs About Serena Williams’ Husband
1. What does Alexis Ohanian do for a living?
Alexis Ohanian is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and co-founder of Reddit. He is also involved in investments through his firm, Initialized Capital.
2. How did Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian meet?
They met by chance in Rome in 2015 when they were staying at the same hotel. Their connection grew over time, leading to a beautiful relationship.
3. When did Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams get married?
They got married on November 16, 2017, in New Orleans.
4. How many children do Serena and Alexis have?
They have two daughters: Olympia Ohanian, born in 2017, and Adira River Ohanian, born in 2023.
5. Is Alexis Ohanian involved in sports?
While he is not an athlete, Alexis has shown strong support for Serena’s career and has also invested in sports-related ventures, including Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team.
Final Thoughts
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s love story is one of fate, romance, and mutual admiration. Alexis is not just Serena’s husband; he is her biggest supporter, an incredible father, and a successful entrepreneur. Their relationship is proof that love can flourish between two people from completely different worlds.
With their strong bond and dedication to their family, Serena and Alexis continue to inspire millions. Whether on the tennis court, in the business world, or in their personal lives, they show that with love and support, anything is possible.