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Serena's Daughter: Free to Be Herself
15 Sep
Summary
- Serena Williams wanted her daughter to believe she could achieve anything.
- Alexis Ohanian teaches their daughter financial independence with allowance.
- Motherhood changed Serena's perspective on tennis and life.
Serena Williams' deep-seated hope for her daughter, Olympia, was for her to grow up with the unwavering belief that she could pursue any life path she desired. This aspiration has transitioned from words into tangible family life through Alexis Ohanian's approach to fatherhood.
Ohanian actively cultivates Olympia's independence, discussing with her work and finances, and providing a $7 weekly allowance for chores. He even established a contract for this allowance, with Williams acting as Olympia's legal counsel during negotiations.
Williams' own journey as a mother coincided with a significant period in her tennis career. She won the Australian Open in January 2017, unknowingly eight weeks pregnant. After Olympia's birth in September 2017, Williams faced a challenging recovery, including a health scare with blood clots following an emergency C-section, which left her bedridden for six weeks.
Motherhood profoundly altered Williams' perspective on tennis. She revealed in January 2018 that having Olympia lessened her match-related anxiety, knowing her daughter awaited her return. This shift highlighted Williams' aspirations beyond her athletic achievements, emphasizing her desire for Olympia to dream limitlessly.
Williams aimed to impart confidence in decision-making rather than solely passing down her tennis legacy. Ohanian's practical parenting style complements this by equipping Olympia with daily tools for choice, responsibility, and learning, ensuring she has the freedom to discover and become herself, unburdened by her mother's extraordinary career.