Serena Williams’ Family, Relationships, and Close Friends: Everything Revealed
Serena Williams is among the most accomplished tennis players, but her story goes beyond the court. She has often spoken about the importance of family, her close relationships, and the value of solid friendships. These bonds have shaped her life and supported her throughout her legendary career.
Family Roots and Support
Serena Williams was born in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1981. She grew up in a large, close-knit family. Her father, Richard Williams, served as both her tennis coach and mentor. Her mother, Oracene Price, supported her children’s ambitions.
Serena is the youngest of five sisters. Her sister Venus is also a professional tennis player and one of her frequent doubles partners. The Williams family moved from Michigan to Compton, California, where Serena and Venus first learned the game.
Serena is married to Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. The couple met in 2015 in Rome and became engaged in December 2016. They married in November 2017 in New Orleans.
Together, they have a daughter named Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., born in September 2017. Olympia is their biological child. Both Serena and Alexis are public figures, with Alexis working in technology and business.
Family has remained central in Serena’s life. She continues to balance her professional career with raising her daughter and spending time with loved ones.
Name | Relation | Birth Year |
---|---|---|
Richard Williams | Father | 1942 |
Oracene Price | Mother | 1952 |
Venus Williams | Sister | 1980 |
Isha Price | Sister | 1975 |
Lyndrea Price | Sister | 1978 |
Alexis Ohanian | Husband | 1983 |
Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. | Daughter | 2017 |
Relationships through the Years
Serena Williams has had a few public relationships in addition to her marriage. One notable relationship was with rapper Common. They began dating in 2007 and parted ways in 2010. The two cited busy schedules and career commitments as leading reasons for ending the relationship.
Serena was also in a relationship with her former coach, Patrick Mouratoglou. He is a French tennis coach. Their romantic connection became public around 2012. The relationship lasted until roughly 2015, with both resuming professional roles afterwards.
These relationships were widely covered in the media. Each played a role during different stages of her career, though all eventually ended as Serena moved forward in life and love.
Name | Relationship Type | Time Period |
---|---|---|
Common | Ex-boyfriend | 2007–2010 |
Patrick Mouratoglou | Ex-boyfriend | 2012–2015 |
Friends in Her Circle
Serena Williams has maintained a network of friends both inside and outside tennis. Her longest and perhaps closest friendship is with her sister Venus, who has been both a partner and competitor.
Another close friend is Caroline Wozniacki, a former world tennis number one. The two met through tennis and often supported each other during tournaments. Their friendship is often seen at public events and social media.
Serena has also been friends with Beyoncé, who supported Serena at matches. Their relationship grew through mutual admiration and shared experiences as public figures.
These friendships have stayed strong through the years, offering support away from tennis. They enrich Serena’s life outside her sports career.
Name | Known Since | Profession |
---|---|---|
Venus Williams | 1981 | Tennis player |
Caroline Wozniacki | 2009 | Tennis player |
Beyoncé | 2010 | Musician |