Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s romance is nothing short of a modern-day fairy tale, blending the worlds of sports and tech in a love story that has captured hearts around the globe. Here’s a look at their relationship timeline, from their first meeting to becoming one of the most admired power couples.
2015: A Chance Meeting in Rome The love story began in May 2015 when Serena Williams, a tennis superstar, and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, crossed paths in Rome. The encounter was serendipitous—Alexis was in town for a conference, while Serena was there for the Italian Open. The two happened to be staying at the same hotel, and after Alexis sat down at a table near Serena during breakfast, they struck up a conversation that would change their lives forever.
2016: The Blossoming Romance Despite their different worlds—Serena dominating tennis and Alexis thriving in the tech industry—their relationship quickly deepened. By early 2016, they were officially dating, though they kept their relationship relatively private. Serena’s friends noticed the positive influence Alexis had on her, describing him as supportive and understanding of her demanding career.
December 2016: The Surprise Engagement In December 2016, Alexis proposed to Serena in the most fitting way possible—back at the hotel in Rome where they first met. He planned a romantic surprise, complete with a trail of rose petals leading to the same table where they had their first conversation. Serena shared the news on Reddit with a poem, capturing the magic of the moment.
September 2017: A New Addition In September 2017, the couple welcomed their first child, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. Serena’s journey through pregnancy was widely followed, as she competed and won the Australian Open while secretly pregnant. The birth of their daughter brought even more joy to their lives, and the couple frequently shares sweet moments with Olympia on social media.
November 2017: The Grand Wedding Just two months after welcoming their daughter, Serena and Alexis tied the knot in a star-studded ceremony in New Orleans. The wedding, which had a “Beauty and the Beast” theme, was attended by celebrities from all walks of life, including Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Anna Wintour. The celebration was a perfect blend of elegance and fun, reflecting the couple’s personalities.
2018 and Beyond: Building a Legacy Together Since their marriage, Serena and Alexis have continued to support each other’s careers while building a strong family foundation. Alexis is often seen cheering Serena on from the stands at her matches, while Serena has spoken about how Alexis’s unwavering support has helped her through the challenges of motherhood and her return to tennis.
Together, they’ve also focused on philanthropic efforts, investing in initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion in their respective fields. Serena Ventures, Serena’s investment firm, and Alexis’s work with Reddit and his new venture capital firm, Seven Seven Six, are just two examples of how they’re using their platforms to make a difference.
2024: A Power Couple in Every Sense As of 2024, Serena and Alexis continue to be a power couple, admired not only for their professional achievements but also for their dedication to each other and their family. Their relationship, filled with love, respect, and shared values, is an inspiration to many, proving that even in the most unexpected circumstances, fairy tales do come true.