Serena Williams Shares Rare Moment With Father Richard and Family

“My plan was simple: to bring two children out of the ghetto to the forefront of a white-dominated game.” These powerful words from Richard Williams’ memoir, Black and White: The Way I See It, encapsulate the unwavering determination of a father who envisioned greatness for his daughters. What followed was a story of relentless spirit, courage, and an unbreakable bond between a father and his children. While both sisters went on to achieve tennis immortality, it is safe to say that Serena Williams carved out a legacy like no other.

In 2022, it was time for Serena to return to where it all began, stepping away from tennis to focus on a more personal chapter—making up for the time lost on the court and dedicating herself fully to her family. Reflecting on her decision, she admitted, “Believe me, I never wanted to have to choose between tennis and a family. I don’t think it’s fair.”

However, the 23-time Grand Slam winner refused to see retirement as a full stop. Instead, she described it as “evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.” Now, as she welcomes this new chapter, she often shares glimpses of her life beyond the court. On Friday, she gave fans a peek into her domestic life through an Instagram post—but who was there, smiling beside her?

Alongside caring for her daughters, Adira and Olympia, the Queen of the Court is busier than ever. She is growing Serena Ventures, expanding her beauty brand, WYN Beauty, and staying physically active—recently picking up a paddle ball just for fun. But above all, Serena is embracing what matters most: reconnecting with her family, especially her father, Richard Williams.

Serena took to Instagram on Friday and shared a montage of sweet moments. The Instagram reel featured Williams and her father, ‘King’ Richard, husband Alexis Ohanian, daughters Adira and Olympia, and sister Venus Williams, smiling and goofily posing together. 

Fans were most ecstatic to see Richard rock a pose with his family. Many showed affection and respect for the 82-year-old former coach in the comments section. ‘King’ took up the mantle of coaching the Williams sisters from a young age and is largely credited for their development as tennis juggernauts.

For the uninitiated, Richard came up with detailed plans, such as Thunder and Lightening for his daughters’ tennis coaching. These rigorous plans were meant to instill discipline, strategy, and mental fortitude in them. Now a mother herself, Serena wishes to train her daughters with the same values and discipline that her father instilled in her.

“I would be devastated if I wasn’t pushed,” she told People magazine in a 2024 interview. “We wouldn’t be having this interview, and there would never have been a Serena Williams.” Highlighting her daughter Olympia’s future potential, she shared a remark from Venus. “Even Venus was like, ‘That kid has more talent than you and I combined.’ And she’s not lying.”

However, just like many parents, Serena finds it difficult to be strict with her daughter and instill discipline as her father did. “I already told my dad, ‘Maybe you have to coach her because I’m too nice,” hinting at a full circle moment, where she was once again in need of her father’s guidance. However, Richard is not the only great father figure in Serena’s family. Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, follows closely behind. 

Like Serena, Alexis turns to his dad for parenting wisdom

Even Serena William’s husband Alexis Ohanian needs guidance for parenting. When fatherhood gets tough, Ohanian turns to his father, Chris Ohanian, for advice. Similar to his wife, when Serena Williams drew inspiration from her father, Richard Williams. Before their second daughter Adira was born, Alexis shared a note about his father, “Any man can be a father, but not every father is a dad. I’m grateful that I had such a great role model in my dad, Chris Ohanian, who is the reason why I know what matters.”

Throughout the Reddit Co-founder’s life, Chris Ohanian has remained an important figure. Alexis once asked his father if he was proud of his parenting to which Chris responded, “You turned out darn well. That’s what you hope for. As a parent, you do the best you can.” Just like Williams, Ohanian actively participates in his daughters’ lives. He bakes pancakes, plays video games, and even golfs with Olympia.

Regardless of his efforts, he still seeks his dad’s help. Additionally, Chris shared another piece of parenting advice—reminding parents to not react too harshly, even in frustrating situations. Remembering his own experience with Alexis, Chris said, “Your response as a parent could go off, and you’d say, ‘I don’t know what the hell you’re thinking about.’ But obviously, the kids receive it like, ‘Oh god,’ and then they want to go in the opposite direction. So you try not to be too strong in a negative way, even if you might feel that.”

In many ways, both Serena and Alexis are drawing inspiration from their father’s advice while raising their daughters. It is safe to say that Serena’s fans will look out for more such heartwarming stories as the tennis icon manages a new phase of her life with the support of Williams’ family. What are your views on Richard Williams and his contribution to building the Williams sisters? Tell us in the comment section below!