Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has inspired millions with her skill, strength, and determination. Yet, off the court, her personal life has proven to be just as powerful, particularly in her relationship with tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian. While their love story began like a fairy tale, their journey together has been anything but easy. Their relationship faced a monumental test when Serena, shortly after the birth of their daughter Olympia, encountered a life-threatening health crisis that would forever change their lives.
It was meant to be the most joyous chapter of their lives—the birth of their daughter, Olympia. However, for Serena, what should have been a time of celebration quickly turned into a terrifying nightmare. Serena, known for her strength and resilience, was suddenly faced with a situation that no one could have prepared for. After undergoing an emergency C-section to deliver Olympia, she began to feel unwell, experiencing difficulty breathing and a sense of overwhelming exhaustion.
Serena, who had a history of blood clots, immediately recognized the symptoms of a pulmonary embolism—a potentially fatal condition in which blood clots block the pulmonary arteries. She became hypervigilant, but the medical professionals she consulted dismissed her concerns. Despite her repeated requests for a CAT scan and proper treatment, the doctors and nurses brushed her off, claiming that her fears were exaggerated and that she was being irrational. It was only after Serena’s persistence, in the face of being ignored, that a scan revealed the deadly clot in her lungs.
This was the beginning of a harrowing battle for Serena’s life. She underwent multiple surgeries to treat the blood clots, and the emotional and physical toll was immense. Serena was left bedridden for six weeks, unable to care for her newborn in the way she had imagined. The pain was constant, and her body seemed to betray her in ways she couldn’t comprehend. What should have been the happiest time of her life was overshadowed by the fear of losing everything—her daughter, her husband, and her own life.
Throughout this difficult time, Alexis Ohanian, Serena’s husband, stood by her side with unwavering support. He was faced with the heartbreak of seeing his wife, once an invincible athlete, reduced to a fragile state. The strong woman who had dominated the tennis world now found herself fighting for survival in a hospital bed. Alexis’s role shifted dramatically during this period. Not only did he have to care for Serena, but he also had to take on the responsibility of caring for their newborn daughter, Olympia.
Despite the emotional strain and exhaustion of balancing both roles, Alexis never wavered. He became Serena’s main caregiver, fighting for her medical needs and helping her through the hardest moments of her recovery. The emotional toll on Alexis was heavy—seeing the woman he loved so vulnerable and helpless was agonizing. Yet, through it all, he remained by her side, providing love and stability for both Serena and Olympia.
As Serena slowly began to recover, Alexis found himself at a crossroads. The emotional and physical toll of the past months had left him worn down and questioning what more sacrifices were needed for their family’s future. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Alexis chose to embrace his role as a father and husband, with renewed strength and determination. His devotion to Serena and Olympia grew even more profound, and he became a constant pillar of support for his family.
In the years following Olympia’s birth, the couple’s household flourished with love. Alexis made time for the simple pleasures of family life, such as cooking pancakes every Sunday and celebrating holidays with Olympia. These seemingly small moments became a source of stability and joy in their home, a stark contrast to the difficult months they had endured.
When Serena made the decision to step away from tennis, it was a significant life change for the entire family. Alexis fully supported her, knowing it was a step toward realizing their shared dream of expanding their family. The couple’s joy was palpable when they announced their second pregnancy in 2023, and their family was further completed with the birth of their second daughter, Adira.
Through it all, Alexis’s unwavering commitment to his family remained clear. He had become the cornerstone of their lives, not only supporting Serena’s recovery but also ensuring their daughters felt loved and supported every day. Alexis’s approach to fatherhood was a testament to his deep love for his family, and he was always present—whether it was taking Olympia on adventures or celebrating Serena’s final US Open, he was there for every milestone.
As their family celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary in 2024, Alexis and Serena’s bond remained as strong as ever. They continue to support one another in their personal and professional lives, with Alexis balancing his career as a tech entrepreneur with his commitment to being a present and loving husband and father. His devotion to Serena and their daughters has been unwavering, and he has demonstrated that family comes first, no matter what.
In a world where celebrity marriages are often fragile, Alexis and Serena’s relationship stands as a beacon of resilience and love. Despite the health challenges that nearly tore them apart, Alexis’s commitment to his family has only grown stronger. Their love story, which began with joy, was tested in unimaginable ways, but it is ultimately a story of perseverance, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond that holds their family together.
Alexis Ohanian’s journey as a father, husband, and advocate has been shaped by the challenges his family has faced. His personal and professional decisions now reflect a deeper understanding of what truly matters in life—love, family, and support. In a world where so many families struggle, the Ohanian-Williams family serves as a shining example of what it means to prioritize those who matter most.
Alexis has made it clear that despite the hardships they’ve faced, he has no intention of walking away from his family. His dedication to Serena and their daughters is unwavering, and as they move forward into the future, the Ohanian-Williams family remains a symbol of love, strength, and resilience.