What began as an unlikely meeting at a hotel pool in Rome in 2015 has grown into one of the most admired partnerships in sport and technology. Tennis icon Serena Williams and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian have spent nearly a decade building a life together, and by 2026, their story is one of enduring love, family, and parallel ambition.

A Chance Encounter in Rome

The couple first crossed paths in May 2015 at the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome, where Williams was competing at the Italian Open. Ohanian, in town for a technology conference, happened to be seated near Williams and her friends. In what has become a legendary story, Williams' group allegedly tried to convince Ohanian to move by joking that there was a rat nearby. He refused to budge, and the two eventually struck up a conversation.

Their connection was immediate. The two later had their first date in Paris, bonding over shared interests outside their demanding professional lives. In a romantic full-circle moment, Ohanian proposed in December 2016 at the very same spot in Rome where they had first met.

Building a Family

The couple married on November 16, 2017, in a high-profile ceremony in New Orleans attended by celebrities and sports stars alike. Just months earlier, in September 2017, they welcomed their first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. In one of the most remarkable chapters of her sporting career, Williams famously won the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant with Olympia.

At the Met Gala in May 2023, Williams revealed her second pregnancy to the world. The couple welcomed their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, in August 2023. While both parents occasionally share family moments publicly, they have largely kept their children's lives private.

Life After Tennis

Since retiring from professional tennis after the 2022 US Open, Williams has channeled her energy into business, fashion, media, and investment endeavours. Her influence extends far beyond the court, with her name continuing to resonate in both sport and popular culture.

Ohanian, meanwhile, remains active in venture investing and technology. He has also become a passionate advocate for causes such as paid family leave and supporting emerging entrepreneurs.

A Partnership Built on Mutual Encouragement

Throughout their relationship, the couple has been each other's biggest supporters. Ohanian has been a vocal cheerleader through the most significant moments of Williams' career, while Williams has stood behind Ohanian's entrepreneurial ventures and advocacy work.

By 2026, their relationship stands as a testament to how young romance can evolve into a secure and thriving family unit. The couple, who met in Rome more than a decade ago, are now raising two daughters while pursuing their separate but equally ambitious careers, proving that their greatest partnership may be the one they've built together.