“Sisterhood and Strength: Serena Williams on Her Unbreakable Bond with Venus and the Joys of Motherhood”
Serena Williams recently opened up about the deep bond she shares with her sister, Venus Williams, while reflecting on how being raised among strong women shaped her journey into motherhood. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who shares two daughters, Olympia and Adira, with her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, spoke candidly in an interview with Glamour about the joys and challenges of raising daughters and the special connection she shares with Venus.
Serena and Alexis tied the knot on November 16, 2017, in a star-studded ceremony at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans. Their eldest daughter, Olympia, was born just a few months earlier on September 1, 2017, followed by the arrival of their second daughter, Adira, in August of last year.
Despite the difficult birthing experience with Olympia, Serena shared that she was determined to savor every moment of Adira’s birth. Her desire to cherish this experience stems from the powerful female bonds she witnessed growing up, especially her relationship with Venus. Serena expressed how this sisterly bond deeply influences her outlook on motherhood.
“I grew up with girls. Honestly, I was never really around boys unless I was dating one,” Serena shared. “Sisters are so special. I don’t even want to not be codependent with Venus. I love her. I don’t want our lives to ever be separate.”
Serena also explained how crucial Venus was during their tennis careers, calling their partnership a saving grace in the often isolating world of professional tennis. “Tennis is so lonely. You’re on the road for 10 or 11 months out of the year, and you really rely on having someone else out there. Venus was always that person. We were successful, we were Black, and we leaned on each other.” Serena revealed that the sisters even lived together until the birth of Olympia, emphasizing just how close their bond has always been.
Serena and Venus, alongside their other sisters, Yetunde Price, Lyndrea Price, and Isha Price, grew up in a family that fostered strong female relationships. Their family moved from California to Florida during their childhood so that the sisters could train under renowned coach Rick Macci. Macci, who began coaching Venus and Serena when they were just 10 and 9, recently took to social media to reminisce about the unbreakable bond between the sisters. He shared an anecdote highlighting how they never fought as children and were always inseparable, likening them to “two peas in a pod.”
“They never fought as kids. Two peas in a pod. Always skipping, holding hands, smiling, playing with dolls, and stealing each other’s food,” Macci wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “On the court, though, they fought like warriors, always playing with a smile, stealing points instead of food.”
The Williams sisters’ unique bond has translated into incredible success on the court, with the duo winning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals together. Their legacy, both as sisters and champions, continues to inspire millions around the world.
