Serena Williams recently shared her thoughts on her 6-year-old daughter, Olympia, potentially becoming an athlete. In an interview with The New York Times, Williams expressed uncertainty about whether she could provide her daughter with the necessary push to excel in sports, unlike her father, Richard Williams, who recognized her and Venus’ athletic potential.
Reflecting on her father’s coaching style, Williams marveled at his ability to push her and her sister to greatness. She acknowledged that while she tends to see her daughters as cute and wants them to relax, she understands the importance of being pushed to achieve one’s full potential. Williams credited her father’s coaching for her success and expressed gratitude for the “extra oomph” it provided.
While Williams does not yet see the same athletic potential in her 9-month-old daughter, Adira, she believes Olympia has a bright future in sports. According to Williams, even her sister Venus recognizes Olympia’s talent, describing her as having more talent than both Williams sisters combined. Impressed by Olympia’s athleticism, Williams suggested that her father take on the role of coaching her, as she believes she may be “too nice” to provide the necessary guidance.
As Olympia grows older, Williams has noticed her daughter’s increasing curiosity about her tennis career and why she is a well-known figure. Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 with 23 Grand Slam titles, is considering her father as a potential coach for Olympia to help harness her talent and drive.
With two children alongside her husband, Alexis Ohanian, Williams is navigating the balance between nurturing her daughters’ potential and ensuring they receive the guidance needed to succeed in sports. As Olympia continues to show promise in athletics, Williams remains committed to supporting her daughter’s journey and exploring opportunities for her father to play a coaching role in Olympia’s development.
The bond between Williams and her family, rooted in a shared love for sports and competition, serves as a source of inspiration for Olympia as she embarks on her own athletic endeavors. As Williams continues to reflect on her father’s influence on her career, she looks forward to the possibility of passing on that same legacy to her daughter, Olympia, as she navigates the world of athletics with guidance from her experienced and supportive family.