Being a sports person is not a cakewalk. And being Venus and Serena Williams require another level of mental, physical, and emotional toughness. The Williams sisters dominated tennis for over two decades. They were rewarded for their hard work with numerous records, a massive legacy for the upcoming generation. But their journey from Compton to the courts worldwide has been nothing, but fierce. And if ‘King Richard’ didn’t satisfy the curiosity about what it takes to be at the top, Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, is here to settle it. 

Recently, Alexis Ohanian, in a talk with the former professional basketball player, Shane Battier, on his podcast ‘Business Dad’, discussed family and sports, among other things. Meanwhile, Battier elaborated on his life with basketball and team. The Reddit Co-founder couldn’t help but relate to the life of his 23-time grand slam champion. Certainly, it’s difficult to dominate a sport for over 2 decades, and Ohanian opened up on what he thinks was the major factor that made it possible. He said, “Interesting about this is to get to the level takes tremendous discipline. I only have a glimpse into it, obviously via my wife.”

Over a decade ago, the entrepreneur met the younger William’s sister and got properly acquainted with sports. Further sharing his learning, he said, “But what I’ve come to learn, especially over the last, let’s say a decade, getting to know more professional athletes is it’s just the to get to those levels. And then let alone to be a champion at those levels requires really next level, mental strength, the physical stuff.” An athlete requires a proper balance in all the states- physical, mental, and emotional. And to further rise to the level of legends, they need to give it their all sweat and blood.  

Moreover, the making of Serena and Venus Williams was not a day or a year’s work. The sisters share around 50 Grand Slam titles between them. Serena holds a record of 23 Grand Slams. And the movie, ‘King Richard’, glimpsed what it took for them to stand on the top. And Ohanian seconds it, while acknowledging the athletes.

Serena William’s husband in awe of her father’s plan for the sisters

Ohanian, before meeting Serena, was known as the co-founder of Reddit. However, things took a sharp turn when he got together with the American tennis legend. From not being involved much in sports to owning two teams, and talking about raising a family like a team sport, he has come far away. During his talk with Battier, he further acknowledged that discipline is the root of all. 

Praising his father-in-law, he added, “There’s a mental strength in discipline, right? The model I’ve seen and I’ve had some amazing conversations with Mr. Williams, my father-in-law, you know, he had a very, very specific plan for his daughters, well known at this point.” Everyone knows of the plan that Richard Williams made happen with his daughters. And all of it was possible because of the iron-clad discipline they had throughout to get it done!

It seems Ohanian follows King Richard’s way, as he thinks of raising his family in a team sport way. Consequently, adding a little family project to spend more time (and maybe train) with his 6-year-old daughter!