At a Glance
- Serena Williams acknowledges she sometimes favors her younger daughter, Adira.
- The 44-year-old shared the admission on the January 28 episode of Today.
- She also highlighted her efforts to teach Adira tennis and balance family life.
Why it matters: The tennis legend’s candidness offers a rare glimpse into the challenges of parenting two young children.
Serena Williams opened up about her family dynamics on the January 28 episode of Today, revealing that she may inadvertently play favorites with her two daughters. The 44-year-old, who shares her girls with husband Alexis Ohanian, described the emotional juggling act that comes with raising a toddler and a pre-teen.
Family Dynamics on Today
During the interview, Williams reflected on the personalities of her daughters. She said, “The older one is so sweet, Olympia is so sweet.” When asked whether Olympia is a good big sister, she replied, “She’s the best big sister! And then the little one, Adira, she’s feisty, but she’s nice,” she added.
Williams admitted that she sometimes catches herself favoring Adira. “I mean, I’m obsessed. I’m the youngest, so I always have to make sure that I’m not being, you know, not necessarily favorites, but being too nice. ‘Let her have it! Let her do it!’ Because Olympia will be like, ‘No!’ And I’m like, ‘No, let her do it!'” she explained.
Jenna Bush Hager asked, “Because you’re talking to yourself, right?” and Williams responded, “Yes! I feel like I’ve gotta shake out of that, which is just a whole new ballgame,” she said.
Social Media Highlights
At the beginning of January, Williams posted a family photo on Instagram after her sister Venus’s wedding. The picture featured the four of them in light blue dresses, and Williams captioned it, “Joy does not always roar sometimes it whispers. It important to savor those sweet moments… I love this picture so I wanted to share it with you. 🫶🏿.”
In November, she shared images of Adira learning tennis basics. The toddler, wearing tennis whites and a mini racket, was mimicking Serena’s swing. Serena commented, “This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter.”
Teaching Tennis at Home
Williams stepped away from professional tennis in September 2022, but she remains active in coaching her children. In an April interview with Byrdie, she discussed what brings her the most happiness: “my kids,” she said, adding, “I can’t say that a Wimbledon trophy holds a candle to volunteering at my kid’s school.”
She also expressed hope that her daughters will see the breadth of her interests. “I also hope my daughters see how many different passions I have – from tennis to beauty – and learn that they can lead dynamic careers and lives across their many interests,” she said.
Williams wore bright pink sneakers and a black all-in-one during the tennis-learning session, showcasing her playful side while teaching Adira fundamentals.
Balancing Careers and Parenting
The conversation highlighted how Serena balances her public persona with her private life. She acknowledged that being a mother sometimes requires more patience than the competitive mindset she cultivated on the court.
Her candid admission underscores a universal parenting challenge: ensuring each child feels equally valued. While the tennis icon’s fame may amplify the scrutiny, her openness offers a relatable perspective for many families.
Key Takeaways
- Serena Williams, age 44, admits she may favor her younger daughter, Adira.
- She shares parenting insights on Today and through Instagram posts.
- Despite stepping away from the tour, she remains actively involved in coaching and mentoring.
- Her focus on family reflects a broader message about balancing ambition and love.
Serena’s willingness to share her personal struggles demonstrates that even high-profile athletes navigate the same everyday challenges as their peers.
