Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, has not only captured the world’s attention with her powerful game but also with her inspiring off-court life. Behind this tennis icon is Alexis Ohanian, her husband and the co-founder of Reddit, who has played a pivotal role in supporting and elevating her remarkable journey.
Alexis Ohanian’s story is as intriguing as Serena’s. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1983, Ohanian is the son of an Armenian immigrant father and a German mother. He attended the University of Virginia, where he met his future business partner, Steve Huffman. Together, they created Reddit in 2005, a platform that would revolutionize online communities and discussions. Reddit quickly grew in popularity, becoming one of the most visited websites in the world, and solidifying Ohanian’s place in the tech industry.
Despite his success, Ohanian is not one to rest on his laurels. After selling Reddit to Condé Nast in 2006, he continued to work on various ventures, including launching Initialized Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm. Through Initialized, Ohanian has invested in numerous successful startups, proving his keen eye for innovation and potential.
But Ohanian’s life took a significant turn when he met Serena Williams in 2015. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and they were engaged by the end of 2016. The couple’s union was more than just a meeting of minds; it was a partnership built on mutual respect and admiration. Ohanian has been vocal about his support for Serena, frequently attending her matches and cheering her on from the sidelines. He has also used his platform to advocate for issues close to Serena’s heart, such as gender equality and the fight against racial injustice.
Ohanian’s dedication to his family is evident in the way he has embraced fatherhood. The couple welcomed their daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., in 2017, and Ohanian has been an active and hands-on father ever since. He often shares moments of his parenting journey on social media, emphasizing the importance of being present for his daughter and supporting Serena in her career.
One of Ohanian’s most notable acts of love and support for Serena came in 2020 when he stepped down from Reddit’s board and urged the company to replace him with a Black candidate. This decision was a direct response to the racial unrest in the United States, and Ohanian wanted to ensure that his daughter would grow up knowing her father had done something meaningful to support the Black community. His actions were widely praised and highlighted his commitment to social justice.
Ohanian’s influence extends beyond his professional and personal life. He is a strong advocate for paternity leave, having taken time off work to be with his daughter after her birth. He believes that fathers should be more involved in their children’s lives from the start, and his stance has sparked important conversations about parental leave policies in the workplace.
The relationship between Serena and Alexis is a testament to the power of love, respect, and shared values. They are both trailblazers in their respective fields, yet they remain grounded and focused on what truly matters: family, equality, and making a positive impact on the world. Ohanian’s support has undoubtedly played a role in Serena’s continued success on and off the court, and their partnership serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when two people come together with a shared vision.
As Alexis Ohanian continues to make his mark in the tech world and beyond, his role as Serena Williams’s husband and the father of their daughter remains at the forefront of his identity. Together, they are a power couple who are not only breaking barriers in their careers but also using their influence to create a better future for the next generation.
