Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian: A Love Story That Redefines Relationship Goals

Ever since Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian tied the knot in a star-studded 2017 wedding, their marriage has been setting the bar incredibly high. The Reddit co-founder and tech entrepreneur has consistently proven to be one of the most supportive and devoted husbands in the spotlight, making fans envious of their rock-solid bond.

From grand romantic gestures to unwavering emotional support, Ohanian has demonstrated time and again what it means to be an ideal partner. Whether it was commissioning billboards in Palm Springs to celebrate Williams’ return to tennis post-maternity leave, whisking her off to Venice for a pasta craving, or playfully trolling her rival Maria Sharapova at the 2019 U.S. Open, Ohanian has set a new standard for modern relationships.

Why Alexis Ohanian Is the Ultimate Supportive Husband

Snagging a partner like Alexis Ohanian might seem like a tall order, but his approach to marriage isn’t about extravagant displays of love—it’s about showing up and being there when it matters most.

As Ohanian once wrote in a 2019 Valentine’s Day essay for Glamour, the secret to being a great partner is quite simple: “You have to show up. You have to be supportive. These are the things that matter.” His philosophy is deeply rooted in his upbringing, shaped by his parents’ unwavering commitment to each other. His father, an Armenian-American, and his mother, a German immigrant, built a life together despite cultural differences, demonstrating the power of partnership.

Their Unforgettable Meet-Cute in Rome

Fate brought Williams and Ohanian together in 2015 at the Cavalieri hotel in Rome, where Williams was preparing for the Italian Open. Ohanian, who was in town for a tech conference, unknowingly sat at a table reserved for Williams’ team. Annoyed, Williams’ group jokingly tried to scare him away by saying there was a rat nearby, but Ohanian, a Brooklyn native, was unfazed, replying, “I’m from Brooklyn—I see rats all the time.”

This unexpected exchange led to a conversation where Ohanian, who had never watched a tennis match before, realized he was talking to one of the greatest athletes of all time. Williams, equally unfamiliar with Reddit, playfully pretended she was a fan of the platform, later admitting she had never actually used it.

A few weeks later, Williams invited Ohanian to watch her play at the French Open, setting the stage for their romance to blossom.

From Paris Strolls to a Whirlwind Romance

Their first date wasn’t a typical dinner or movie night. Instead, they wandered the streets of Paris for six hours, indulging in French delicacies and visiting iconic landmarks. While their worlds initially seemed miles apart—a world-class athlete and a tech mogul—their differences only made their bond stronger. Williams’ passionate nature complemented Ohanian’s calm demeanor, making them the ultimate power couple.

A Proposal as Unique as Their Love Story

Ohanian’s proposal in December 2016 was nothing short of romantic genius. He popped the question at the very spot where they first met—the Cavalieri hotel in Rome—with a plastic rat on the table, a humorous nod to their first conversation. Williams, of course, said yes, and they tied the knot in an extravagant New Orleans wedding in November 2017, attended by celebrities like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Anna Wintour.

Fatherhood and Supporting Serena’s Career

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., in September 2017, followed by Adira River Ohanian in 2023. Throughout their journey as parents, Ohanian has remained a hands-on dad, even taking 16 weeks of paternity leave after Olympia’s birth.

Reflecting on that time, he wrote: “My understanding of showing up and being present for my wife was taken to a whole new level when Olympia was born.”

Williams’ childbirth experience was far from smooth—she faced life-threatening complications, including a pulmonary embolism. Ohanian was by her side through it all, ensuring she received the best care. His willingness to step up during difficult times only solidified their partnership.

Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing Role Reversals

Unlike many men who struggle with their partners’ success, Ohanian takes pride in Williams’ achievements. Before her retirement, Williams was racking up Grand Slam titles, while Ohanian was building multi-million-dollar tech ventures like Initialized Capital and Seven Seven Six.

In his Glamour essay, he called out outdated gender norms, stating: “Research shows that men are happy to have successful wives—until it interferes with their own work. A full 50 percent of men expect their career to take precedence over their wife’s.”

For Ohanian, that mindset is unacceptable. Instead of feeling overshadowed, he celebrates Williams’ accomplishments and ensures she has the support to keep excelling. He even stepped down from Reddit’s board in 2020, urging the company to replace him with a Black candidate—a move that highlighted his commitment to social justice and equality.

Balancing Love, Family, and Business

With two demanding careers, maintaining their connection requires meticulous planning. At the start of each year, Williams and Ohanian map out their schedules, ensuring they never go more than a week without seeing each other.

Ohanian also introduced Google Calendar to their routine, making it easier to coordinate family time, date nights, and business engagements.

Sundays, however, remain sacred family time—no business calls, just homemade pancakes, hide-and-seek with the kids, and quality bonding.

Why Serena & Alexis Are the Ultimate Power Couple

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s love story is proof that a strong partnership is built on respect, support, and shared dreams. Whether it’s cheering from the stands, planning surprise getaways, or being present for life’s most important moments, Ohanian has shown that true love is about more than just grand gestures—it’s about everyday devotion.

And while most of us may not have a billionaire tech mogul or a 23-time Grand Slam champion as a partner, their relationship lessons—show up, support each other, and celebrate each other’s wins—are ones we can all take to heart.

So, while we might not get billboards in our honor or surprise trips to Venice, one thing is clear: Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have mastered the art of love, partnership, and family.