They say Rome was not built in a day. For Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams, a chance encounter in Rome in 2015 took just one year to blossom into a serious relationship. Serena was playing at the Italian Open. Alexis was speaking at the Festival of Media Global conference and both were staying at the same hotel. Must be thinking it was a typical love at first sight story? Far from it!
Serena was at the poolside for breakfast when fate took a strike. “That big guy comes and he just plops down at the table next to us and I am like, ‘Huh, all these tables and he is sitting here?’” was Serena’s reaction at the first sight of Alexis. Someone from Serena’s team revealed that Alexis saw a rat near his table, which made him change his place! The tale that started at the breakfast table had its culmination in December 2016, when the two came back to the same hotel and the same table and Alexis proposed to Serena. And guess what was there on their table amid other things?
A small plastic rat! “I felt like a door had been opened to a person who made me want to be my best self. I find myself just wanting to be better by simply being around her because of the standard she holds,” Alexis had said about getting along with Serena. On November 18, the couple sat down for a Spike Sessions chat on Lingo to answer who opened that door for the first time. But they won’t reveal that without fighting over it!
They answered questions about their relationship while monitoring their glucose levels with Lingo biosensors. As they reminisced, they were asked who said “I love you” first. The couple hilariously gave opposite answers. While Alexis wrote ‘Serena,‘ the 23-time Grand Slam champion answered exactly the opposite, as she suggested Alexis admitted first. But the Reddit co-founder called Serena out: “Come on now, you going to lie on this?”
“I said I will be honest,” Serena wasn’t stepping back. But Alexis was firm. “That’s not the honest answer. I still remember that phone call. You know I felt the same way, but you definitely said it first.” Serena eventually admitted defeat to Alexis, as she shared a funny tidbit: “My glucose was high,” she recalled.
“Tequila,” Alexis seemed to correct her. But Serena continued with her story. “I had some gelato. My glucose was too high, next thing I know I’m calling this guy and I’m like saying things I wouldn’t normally say, ‘I love you…’” This moment surprised even the GOAT herself! Well, surprises are aplenty in their story. Take their first date, for instance.
Serena Williams said ‘I love you’ first—does this surprise you about the tennis legend?
A few months after the Roman tale, Serena texted Alexis to ask him to Paris. Serena was competing in the French Open. Alexis came without much expectation. “Even if she blows me off and we don’t even hang out, I’m still going to have an amazing time in Paris, and I’ll have an even better story for all my childhood friends when I was like, ‘Yeah, I went to Paris for a weekend. I was supposed to meet up with Serena Williams, she blew me off, but I’ve got other friends there, and we had a great time,’” Alexis had said to Vanity Fair about it. But they did meet. And for six hours strolled through the streets of Paris- their first outing together!
The unusual beginning hit a new milestone on November 16 when they completed their seven tears of marriage. Interestingly, they went back to the same place where they exchanged their vows. “7 years ago today, we got married here,” he wrote. “Now we get to bring these two for beignets. Happy Anniversary 🎉. You’re an amazing mama. I’m very lucky to have met you @serenawilliams @olympiaohanian @adiraohanian,” Alexis wrote in his Instagram post.
One thing is certain, whoever confessed first, put the stepping stone into a successful relationship that has only grown stronger over time, that not only is all about celebration but also navigating difficult phases together. Through this journey, while Alexis can not praise Serena enough for being the person he is, the tennis legend equally hails Alexis, and swoons over his achievements.
Serena Williams has always been a headline magnet, captivating hearts both on and off the court. Whether delivering unforgettable moments in tennis or dazzling at events, her impact never fades. Recently, she was back in the spotlight for something closer to home—her heartwarming displays of love for her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
The former tennis sensation has been quite active on social media since retiring in 2022, and she recently took to Instagram to shower praise on Ohanian. On November 11, she shared a post that read, “Crazy is often being right too early,” tagging her husband and writing, “@alexisohanian All day ❣️,” highlighting his keen insights.
Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and owner of the tech company Seven Seven Six, has made significant strides in supporting women’s sports. His commitment was evident at the Athlos NYC, a women-only track and field event. Since tying the knot in 2016, Serena has frequently expressed pride in her husband’s achievements.
When Reddit went public in March 2023, she couldn’t help but celebrate him, as she wrote on social media: “In 2005 @alexisohanian had an idea to start an online community. That idea became Reddit and today is its IPO. Alexis, I am so proud of you as a businessman, my man, and a dad.”
Alexis reciprocates Serena’s affection, often highlighting her influence on his life. He once shared how her structured lifestyle helped him embrace discipline as a father. Despite their busy schedules, they prioritize family time and support each other’s endeavors. Alexis and Serena are always there for each other through thick and thin. What are your thoughts on this power couple? Let us know in the comments below.
