Former world No. 1 Serena Williams is balancing her role as a mother of two with a return to competitive tennis at Wimbledon in 2026.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion received a wild card entry into the ladies' singles tournament, marking her first appearance since the 2022 US Open.
Williams shares daughters Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., eight, and Adira River Ohanian, two, with husband Alexis Ohanian.
She has made clear that her family takes precedence over her athletic career.
When asked by Byrdie in April 2024 what brings her the most happiness, Williams replied: "My kids.
I can't say that a Wimbledon trophy holds a candle to volunteering at my kid's school."
Family Life and Early Challenges
Williams discovered she was pregnant with Olympia shortly before winning the 2017 Australian Open.
She recalled the moment to Vanity Fair: "I did a double take and my heart dropped. Like literally dropped.
Oh my God, this can't be — I've got to play a tournament. How am I going to play the Australian Open?"
Ohanian noted on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
that the couple suspected the baby would be a girl because of the physical challenges Williams endured during the tournament.
"[Serena] won the Australian Open while pregnant.
And she remarked that she feels like it has to be a girl because everything that that baby went through and handled like a champ, only a woman could be strong enough to take on," he said.
The tennis star also faced a difficult delivery, including an emergency cesarean section.
She told PEOPLE in April 2018: "My whole life I've been physically pushing my body to the limits.
And this is the one time where I couldn't control anything. I couldn't push my body.
My body pushed to its maximum. That was so hard."
Olympia's Interests and Family Growth
Olympia has shown an early interest in music, particularly piano, rather than focusing solely on sports. Williams revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
: "She likes tennis, but I don't know. Honestly, she likes playing piano.
When she was in my belly, I played a lot of piano music."
Ohanian told PEOPLE that they encourage their daughter to explore both creative and athletic activities, including dancing and golf lessons.
"I do think she's a mix of both creative and athletic right now.
Mini golf was her thing a year or so ago, and then we got her proper golfing lessons, and she's loved it.
On the creative side, she loves to dance. Maybe that's where she'll land — somewhere in the creative end and athletic," he said.
Olympia has also become a young sports investor, holding co-ownership stakes in Angel City Football Club and the Los Angeles Golf Club.
Ohanian noted in March 2023: "Right now all Olympia knows is that Angel City FC is our team, and she loves cheering for them.
I think as she gets older, maybe she'll come to see the different layers to it."
Williams added that her eldest daughter has a strong interest in fashion and coordinates outfits for the family.
She told PEOPLE in July 2020: "She'll set up before bed what we need to wear in the morning.
And she says, 'Blue shirt, blue shirt, blue shirt.' And then she goes, 'Mama wear this or these shoes.'
She always tells me to [wear] heels."
The family welcomed Adira River Ohanian in August 2023.
Ohanian posted on Instagram: "I'm grateful to report our house is teaming with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama."
