Serena Williams Reveals What Her Husband Said on Their First Date That Won Her Heart
March 9, 2025 – Tennis legend Serena Williams has never been one to shy away from competition, but when it came to love, she found herself captivated by a different kind of champion—her now-husband, Alexis Ohanian. In a recent interview, Williams opened up about their very first date and the words Ohanian said that made her realize he was someone truly special.
A Love Story for the Ages
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, first met in 2015 at a hotel in Rome. Their love story is well-documented, filled with moments of laughter, respect, and mutual admiration. However, Williams recently revealed a heartwarming detail about their first date that had previously remained private.
During an intimate conversation, Williams shared that Ohanian’s words on that fateful day were what won her heart and made her see him in a different light. “He said something so simple yet so powerful, something that made me feel completely at ease and understood,” she recalled.
What Did He Say?
According to Williams, Ohanian told her, “You don’t have to impress me. Just be you.”
For someone like Serena, who has spent her entire life striving for excellence on the tennis court, those words carried a profound meaning. “I had spent years trying to prove myself in every aspect of my life—on the court, in business, and even in personal relationships. But Alexis made it clear from the very beginning that I didn’t need to do any of that with him. He just wanted to know me for who I was, without the trophies, without the titles.”
A Different Kind of Connection
Williams admitted that Ohanian’s words caught her off guard. At the time, she was used to people treating her like a global superstar, someone whose accomplishments defined her. But Ohanian saw beyond that.
“He looked at me like I was just Serena, not Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion,” she said. “That meant everything to me.”
From that moment on, their connection deepened. Instead of feeling pressure to impress, Williams felt a sense of relief, knowing that she could be her authentic self around him.
Love Beyond the Spotlight
Over the years, Williams and Ohanian’s relationship has been celebrated as one of the most inspiring in the sports and tech worlds. The couple got engaged in December 2016 and married in November 2017 in a lavish ceremony in New Orleans, surrounded by family, friends, and celebrities.
Their love story continued to grow with the birth of their daughter, Olympia, in 2017 and their second child, Adira, in 2023. Throughout it all, Ohanian has remained a supportive and devoted husband, frequently cheering Williams on from the sidelines and championing her endeavors outside of tennis.
Why His Words Still Matter Today
Even after years of marriage, Williams says Ohanian’s words on their first date still resonate with her. “Every time I doubt myself, every time I feel like I need to be more than I am, I remember what he said. And that reminder keeps me grounded.”
Their relationship serves as a testament to the power of authenticity in love. While Williams has conquered the tennis world, she acknowledges that having someone who loves her for who she truly is—not just what she has achieved—is one of her greatest victories.
A Lesson in Love for Everyone
Williams’ revelation has sparked conversations about the importance of unconditional love and acceptance in relationships. Many fans and relationship experts have pointed out that Ohanian’s words hold a universal truth—real love should never be about impressing someone but about being accepted for who you are.
Social media has been abuzz with reactions, with many people praising Ohanian for his genuine approach to love. “This is how love should be. No pretenses, no performances, just pure acceptance,” one user commented.
What’s Next for Serena and Alexis?
While Williams has retired from professional tennis, she remains busy with business ventures, including her fashion line, investments, and advocacy work. Ohanian continues to be a prominent figure in the tech world while also embracing his role as a supportive husband and father.
Through all of life’s challenges and triumphs, one thing remains clear: their love story is one for the ages. And it all started with a simple, yet powerful, sentence on their very first date.