“Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don’t think it’s fair,“ Serena Williams said a couple of years ago, hinting at her intent to balance both her ambitions and family life simultaneously. Moreover, the 23-Grand Slam champion does not want to use the word “retirement.” Instead, she prefers to “evolve away“ from the sport, concentrating on her family. This transition has brought a new dynamic to her family life, which her husband, Alexis Ohanian, recently spoke about in his podcast.

During the 30th July episode of the “Business Dad” podcast host Alexis Ohanian and Kanyi Maqubela indulged in a conversation about balancing their family and professional life. The Reddit co-founder also talked about how Williams’ undivided attention to her family post her retirement has opened up a new chapter in their family. “And now post-tennis, frankly the best part of it, and Serena has been very outspoken about this. She gets to be a mom with obsession. And she loves it and the girls love it and I love it,” Ohanian said.

One of the reasons behind Williams’ retirement was her wish to extend her family. Within a year of her exit, Williams welcomed Adira. The former American player, who started playing tennis at age 4, found a new sense of joy. However, she did not entirely throw away her career. Instead, she started a new venture, one of which is WYN beauty selling various makeup items. “She still launched the makeup brand, she is still doing lots of things, but number one for the first time really ever since her evolution, it’s been about the family,” Ohanian further said.

Furthermore, the renowned entrepreneur continued, “And she has been working since she was a little kid and so that has been awesome and I get to see it.” For Williams, her vision is clear. In an interview, she once said, “I also hope my daughters see how many different passions I have — from tennis to beauty — and learn that they can lead dynamic careers and lives across their many interests.”

Through it all, Ohanian, whom she married in 2017, has been by her side. From cheering her on-court to being there for her during her debut as a host in the ESPYs, the 41-year-old never misses a chance to support his wife. But even then, juggling the intense demands of professional and personal life can become quite a task. But she knows how to handle it with grace!

Serena Williams’ “hands-on” approach to motherhood

“Earlier in my career, I never thought about having kids,” the mother of two, Serena Williams, said in an interview from a couple of years ago. However, now, she doesn’t like to stay away from her daughters. “I’m not going to lie—I definitely have a lot of support. But I’m also an incredibly hands-on mother. My husband will tell you I am too hands-on,” she said in the past. 

Olympia and Williams are often found enjoying Disneyland or taking photos while twinning. “The fact is that nothing is a sacrifice for me when it comes to Olympia,“ she once said. Even after Adira was born, Williams regularly shared some glimpses of their family time on social media. Besides, she often shares some valuable parenthood advice with her fans.

One included spending more time with the oldest kid, as they will remember it when they grow up. Therefore, one thing is certain: Williams has redefined the boundaries of excellence, be it sports or her personal life!