Olympia Ohanian Takes the Court: Serena Williams’ Daughter Steps into the Tennis Spotlight at the Australian Open
The tennis world recently received a delightful glimpse into the future, and it looks incredibly promising and undeniably cute. During the intense atmosphere of the Australian Open, tennis legend Serena Williams and her long-time coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, melted hearts worldwide by sharing enchanting videos of Serena’s three-year-old daughter, Olympia Ohanian, practicing her tennis skills on the court. Born Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., the spirited toddler, whom Serena shares with her devoted husband Alexis Ohanian, showcased an infectious enthusiasm that suggested a nascent love for the sport.
The clips, which quickly went viral, captured Olympia’s adorable attempts to master the game that has defined her mother’s illustrious career. With a tiny Wilson tennis racket firmly in her grip, Olympia fearlessly swung at the balls tossed by Coach Mouratoglou. Despite the occasional missed shot or a playful kick at a wayward ball, her bright smiles and boundless energy radiated pure joy, making it clear that she was having the time of her life. This early introduction to the sport, under the watchful eyes of two of its most significant figures, has sparked widespread speculation and excitement about the potential for a new generation of tennis royalty.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)
Serena herself proudly captioned her video “Tennis diaries,” a simple yet profound statement hinting at the blossoming connection between her daughter and the sport. The imagery of Olympia on court, wielding her racket with determination and a constant smile, resonated deeply with fans. It’s a poignant reminder that while Serena continues to chase records and cement her status as arguably the greatest of all time, her most cherished role is that of a mother, guiding her child through life’s playful lessons, even if those lessons happen on a grand slam court.
Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena’s revered coach, also shared an extended version of the video, adding another layer of charm and insight. His post featured Olympia running back to her mother after her practice, a heartwarming display of their bond, all set to the inspiring tune of Sia’s hit song “Unstoppable.” Mouratoglou’s caption, “Like mother, like daughter,” perfectly encapsulated the sentiment many felt watching the clips. He further delighted fans by remarking on the unique circumstance: “Crazy to think I coached both 2017 AO women’s champions today!” This humorous yet touching comment referenced Serena’s victory at the 2017 Australian Open, an astonishing feat she achieved while already pregnant with Olympia, subtly connecting two incredible moments in his coaching career and Serena’s personal journey.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by THE COACH (@patrickmouratoglou)
The 2017 Australian Open holds a particularly special place in Serena Williams’ storied career and personal life. It was at this tournament that she achieved her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, making history while unknowingly carrying Olympia. This incredible feat solidified her legacy not just as an athletic powerhouse, but also as a symbol of immense strength and resilience for women globally. To return to the very courts where she achieved such a monumental victory, now with her daughter taking her first swings, paints a beautiful full-circle moment. It underscores Serena’s journey, balancing the demands of an elite athletic career with the joys and responsibilities of motherhood, proving that women can achieve greatness in both arenas.
Fast forward four years, and Serena Williams was once again deep into the Australian Open, demonstrating her enduring power and determination. At the time of Olympia’s adorable court debut, Serena was set to face three-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in a highly anticipated semi-final match. Osaka, a formidable opponent who had already claimed the 2019 Australian Open and the US Open titles in 2018 and 2020, represented a significant challenge for Serena. This match was more than just another Grand Slam encounter; it was a clash of generations, a testament to Serena’s incredible longevity and the emergence of new stars in women’s tennis.
Serena’s journey to that semi-final was marked by characteristic dominance and unwavering focus. In the quarter-finals, she delivered a masterclass performance against Romanian player and two-time Grand Slam champion Simona Halep, securing a decisive victory with a final score of 6-3, 6-3. This win not only propelled her further into the tournament but also reaffirmed her status as a top contender, showcasing her powerful serve, strategic play, and relentless spirit. Each match brought her closer to her ultimate goal: securing her record-tying 24th major title, a milestone that would solidify her position alongside Margaret Court as the most decorated Grand Slam singles champion in history.
The pursuit of this 24th title has been a significant narrative throughout the latter stages of Serena’s career, embodying her incredible drive and refusal to yield to age or the challenges of returning to the sport after childbirth. Her presence in the semi-finals, still competing at the absolute highest level, inspires millions. It’s a powerful message about perseverance, passion, and the ability to chase dreams regardless of circumstances. As she continued her quest for history, the image of her young daughter playfully engaging with a tennis racket added an extra layer of sweetness and significance to her incredible journey.
Ultimately, whether Olympia follows in her mother’s colossal footsteps remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is the profound impact Serena Williams has had and continues to have, not just as an athlete, but as a mother, an icon, and a powerful role model. Her story, intertwined with these charming moments of Olympia on the court, is a testament to dedication, family, and the enduring love for a game that has shaped their lives. The “Tennis diaries” Serena shared are not just about practice; they are about legacy, dreams, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for this extraordinary family.