In the world of sports, few names shine as brightly as Serena Williams. But even as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, Serena's focus often drifts away from the court and toward something much closer to her heart—her daughter, Olympia. At 37, Serena continues to dazzle with her powerful serves and unmatched skill, but there's a part of her that’s always thinking about her little girl.
Missing Her Little Princess
In a heartfelt conversation with Forbes, Serena opened up about the emotional tug-of-war between her career and her role as a mom. Competing in tournaments like the U.S. Open means spending long hours away from Olympia, and it's not always easy. "I actually prefer playing in the day because I get to go home and see my baby," Serena revealed. "But lately, I’ve been missing her the last few nights when I play." The champion athlete knows the sacrifices that come with pursuing greatness, but that doesn't make it any less challenging.
A Bond That Transcends the Court
For Serena, motherhood isn't just about raising a child; it's about creating memories and traditions that last a lifetime. In an Instagram post, she shared how braiding her daughter’s hair connects them to a rich cultural heritage. "Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia," Serena wrote. "It’s a tradition that has traveled across generations and continents, and I’m honored to share this bonding experience with my own daughter." These moments remind us that behind every superstar is a mom who cherishes the little things.
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View this post on InstagramBraiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia. We have been braiding our hair for centuries. In many African tribes braided hairstyles were a unique way to identify each tribe. Because of the time it would take people would often take the time to socialize. It began with the elders braiding their children, then the children would watch and learn from them. The tradition of bonding was carried on for generations, and quickly made its way across the world. I am honored to share this bonding experience with my own daughter and add another generation of historic traditions. @olympiaohanian
Challenges of Being a Mom and a Champion
Serena and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, welcomed Olympia into their lives in 2017, and since then, every decision has been influenced by what's best for their family. "In the beginning, she would really be upset when I left," Serena admitted. "Now she’s a little better, but honestly, I think I’m more upset than she is." While Olympia is still young and learning to adapt, Serena finds herself grappling with the emotional weight of being apart. "Sometimes my heart literally aches when I’m not around her," she confessed.
Despite the challenges, Serena remains committed to balancing her career and family life. "It’s not easy—it’s really kind of painful sometimes," she told Forbes. "But you just have to do what you have to do." Her resilience serves as a powerful reminder to all moms out there that success doesn't come without sacrifice, but it's worth it.
Tennis Tournaments vs. Family Time
When Serena isn't competing, her days revolve around her daughter. "I can train really early in the morning and be done pretty early with my day, so I can just stay with her for the rest of the day," she explained. However, the demands of tournaments throw a wrench into this routine. "In a tournament schedule, everything changes," Serena said. "Suddenly, I’m pushed out of my usual life. Oh, my God, I’m not with her. That’s been the toughest thing I’ve ever dealt with in my career."
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Alexis Ohanian: A Partner in Parenthood
Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, has been equally supportive in navigating the challenges of parenthood. When Olympia was born, Alexis took paternity leave to ensure they started off on equal footing. "Taking leave set me off on the right foot for sharing parental responsibilities," he told The New York Times. Two years later, their household remains a testament to shared duties. "There’s no stigma in our house about me changing diapers, feeding Olympia, doing her hair, or anything else I might need to do in a pinch," Alexis added.
View this post on InstagramDay off getting reflexology at the @thepeninsulaparis @olympiaohanian joined us. She’s obsessed with the little mermaid (So am I)🙈🙈🤫🤫🤫
Final Thoughts
Serena Williams continues to inspire millions with her achievements on the court and her dedication off it. Whether it's juggling tournaments or finding joy in everyday moments with her daughter, she shows us that greatness doesn't mean sacrificing happiness—it means embracing both. As Serena once said, "Champions adjust." And adjust she does, proving that even the best in the world have hearts full of love and longing for those who matter most.
