From GOAT to GMOAT: Serena Williams Balances Motherhood and Business Ventures Post-Retirement

From GOAT to GMOAT: Serena Williams Balances Motherhood and Business Ventures Post-Retirement

Sep 1, 2024; Flushing, NY, USA; Serena Williams and Alicia Keys cheer the action on day seven of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Following her resplendent appearance at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, tennis legend Serena Williams offered her fans a peek into her off-court life. Clad in her stunning party attire, she captured a tender moment with her eldest daughter, Olympia, as they said their prayers together. The poignant Instagram caption read, “I try my best to pray everyday with them no matter the circumstances. I slay and I pray.” This statement underscores the importance she places on family life; a commitment that has earned her the self-proclaimed title of the ‘Greatest Mother of All Time’ or GMOAT.

At 43, retirement has not slowed down the 23-time Grand Slam champion. While she has branched out into entrepreneurship and investment, motherhood remains her most cherished role. Williams, along with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, are parents to two daughters. Their first-born, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., entered the world on September 1, 2017, and in August 2023, they welcomed their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, into their family. Williams’ Instagram stories today reflect her joy in motherhood; she can be seen proudly sporting a T-shirt emblazoned with the words ‘Greatest Mother of All Time’.

Serena Williams evolves to the next stage: From player to businesswoman

Williams’ impact on tennis is unrivaled; she boasts 23 Grand Slam singles titles, 319 weeks as World No.1, and four Olympic gold medals to her name. These impressive accolades have cemented her place as the GOAT of women’s tennis. However, she has found a new, and even more rewarding, arena. Speaking to People magazine, she said, “As a mom, I’m actually way more active than what I was during tennis.” She further added, “I’m really competitive about it, too,” showcasing her undying spirit of competitiveness, now channeled into her role as a mother.

Despite retiring from professional tennis in 2022, Williams’ schedule remains packed. She is involved in numerous business ventures, including Serena Ventures and Wyn Beauty. At the premiere of her docuseries, Inside The Arena: Serena Williams, in 2024, she spoke candidly about how retirement hasn’t slowed her down. She admitted, “I have my kids now and they’re like my biggest love, so I’m obsessed with those kids and I think I put all that intensity that I had in tennis into my children because I’m super hands-on.”

Serena Williams' 2 Children: All About Olympia and Adira

Williams also confessed to experiencing ‘mom guilt’ whenever she was not with her daughters. In an interview with Insider, she confessed, “Mum guilt is real. I always feel so guilty when I’m doing something on my own.” Her hands-on parenting style and the boundaries she sets during work hours indicate her commitment to being present for her daughters. However, she still finds herself missing them, even when they are asleep. On March 4, she shared, “I miss them so much when they sleep. That’s when I get really lonely. #mygirls.”

It’s been nearly three years since the former World No.1 last played a professional match, but she doesn’t miss it. She has successfully transitioned her focus from Grand Slams to bedtime prayers and business meetings. The ‘Queen of Court’ once dominated the world of tennis. Today, she is acing motherhood. Williams’ journey from being a tennis superstar to a hands-on mom and successful entrepreneur is indeed a testament to her unyielding spirit and determination.