When you think of Serena Williams, you probably picture that terrifyingly good serve or the 23 Grand Slam titles. But honestly? If you ask her right now, in 2026, she’d tell you the real "Grand Slam" is just getting her two daughters to bed on time without a fashion crisis.
People are obsessed with serena williams kids because we all want to know: how do you raise children when their mom is literally the greatest of all time?
It's not all tennis courts and trophies. In fact, it's a lot messier, funnier, and more relatable than the highlight reels on Instagram suggest.
The Names and Faces: Meet Olympia and Adira
Let's get the basics out of the way first. Serena and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, have two daughters.
First, there’s Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr.—who everyone just calls Olympia. She was born in September 2017. Fun fact: Serena actually won the Australian Open while she was pregnant with her. Olympia is 8 years old now, and she’s basically Serena’s "mini-me," though she’s definitely developed her own very loud personality.
Then came Adira River Ohanian in August 2023. She’s the toddler of the house, currently 2 years old and, according to Serena, a "tough little cookie." While Olympia was the long-awaited first child, Adira’s arrival turned them into a "family of four" (well, five if you count Olympia’s famous doll, Qai Qai).
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The Scary Reality of Being a "Tennis Mom"
We see the cute matching outfits, but the journey to having serena williams kids was actually incredibly dangerous. This is the part people often gloss over.
When Olympia was born, Serena almost died. She had an emergency C-section, but that was just the start. Because she has a history of blood clots, she suffered a pulmonary embolism right after birth. She was coughing so hard her C-section wound actually popped open.
"I literally thought about it as a Grand Slam: How can I succeed?" Serena told Glamour when talking about her second pregnancy.
For Adira’s birth in 2023, she didn't leave it to chance. She went in with a "game plan" that included four doctors on call and a scheduled C-section. She treated childbirth like a professional match because, for her, it was a matter of survival. It’s a stark reminder that even with all the money and fame in the world, maternal health—especially for Black women—is a serious, nuanced issue.
Do the Kids Actually Play Tennis?
This is the question everyone asks. Will they be the next Venus and Serena?
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Kinda. But maybe not how you’d expect.
- Olympia Ohanian: Even though she’s been on court since she could walk, Serena has admitted that Olympia "doesn’t actually like to play tennis too much." She’s more into piano, ballet, and fashion. She even recently helped her mom design a clothing collection with Janie and Jack.
- Adira Ohanian: At just 2, Adira might be the one to watch. Serena’s been sharing clips of "hitting sessions" with the toddler. In one video from late 2025, Adira was seen throwing tennis balls with a seriousness that Serena joked reminded her of herself.
The vibe in the Ohanian-Williams household isn't "win at all costs." It’s more about finding what they love. Serena’s father, Richard Williams, pushed her incredibly hard, but she’s trying to find a balance. She wants to push them to be great at something, but she’s not forcing the racket into their hands.
Life in 2026: The "Nighttime Routine"
If you see Serena on a red carpet these days, she’s probably looking at her watch. She recently admitted at the Baby2Baby Gala that leaving her daughters for a night out is "difficult."
They have a strict nighttime routine. They do everything together. Whether it’s speaking French (yes, Serena speaks to Adira in fluent French) or practicing colors, the GOAT has transitioned into a full-time "hands-on" mom.
She once mentioned that in Olympia’s first five years of life, the girl only spent one 24-hour period away from her. That’s a level of attachment you don’t usually see with global superstars who have fleets of nannies.
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What They Inherited (Besides the Money)
It’s not just about the trust funds. Serena williams kids are growing up in a world where "business" is a family language.
- Ownership: Both girls are technically part-owners of the Los Angeles Golf Club and Angel City FC.
- Fashion: They aren't just wearing clothes; they're "consulting." Olympia has very strong opinions on patterns and colors, which Serena actually listens to for her Wyn Beauty and fashion ventures.
- Resilience: By watching their mom navigate "evolution" (Serena’s word for retirement), they’re learning that it’s okay to change lanes.
Why Their Upbringing Matters
There’s a misconception that because they’re rich, they’ll be "spoiled." But Serena is weirdly old-school about work ethic. She’s talked about how her parents didn’t let her "do whatever she wanted," and she wants her girls to understand that things are earned.
Honestly, the most refreshing thing about how Serena handles her kids is the lack of "perfection." She posts about the tantrums, the messy hair, and the moments where she feels "mom guilt."
Actionable Takeaways for Modern Parents
You don't need 23 Grand Slams to parent like Serena. Here is how she actually handles the day-to-day:
- Prioritize the Routine: Even if you have a big event, stick to the "bedtime ritual." It anchors the kids.
- Encourage "Micro-Interests": If your kid likes piano more than your favorite sport, lean into the piano.
- Talk About Health: Serena’s openness about her birth trauma has paved the way for more conversations about maternal advocacy. Don't be afraid to share your own story.
- Include Them in Your Work: If you work from home, let them see what you do. Serena had Olympia in meetings during the pandemic, and it taught the child about professional boundaries (sorta).
If you’re looking to follow the family's journey more closely, keep an eye on Serena’s YouTube channel, where she’s been documenting "life after tennis" and the nursery transitions for Adira.
Next Step: Check out Serena Williams' latest Instagram reels to see Adira's "tennis training" in action—it's probably the cutest thing on the internet right now.