How Did Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Meet? A Love Story Between Tech and Tennis

From an Awkward Hotel Breakfast to a Power Couple Dynasty

In celebrity love stories, few tales capture the imagination quite like the romance between tennis legend Serena Williams and tech mogul Alexis Ohanian. Their relationship represents the perfect fusion of athletic excellence and technological innovation, proving that love can bloom in the most unexpected circumstances. What began as an awkward breakfast encounter in Rome has evolved into one of the most inspiring power couple stories of our time.

The story of how Serena Williams met Alexis Ohanian reads like a modern fairy tale, complete with initial resistance, genuine connection, and a romantic proposal that brought their love story full circle. From Williams’ attempts to scare away the Reddit co-founder with tales of imaginary rats to their Marvel movie discussions that sealed the deal, their relationship timeline showcases how two successful individuals from completely different worlds can create something beautiful together.

This love story between the 23-time Grand Slam champion and the tech entrepreneur has fans worldwide, not just for its romantic elements, but for how it demonstrates the power of authentic connection. Their journey from strangers at a Roman hotel to married parents of two daughters offers insights into modern relationships, celebrity romance, and the importance of finding someone who truly supports your ambitions. As we explore their relationship timeline, we’ll discover how a chance meeting transformed into a lasting partnership that continues to inspire millions.

The Fateful Meeting in Rome: May 2015

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian (Image via Getty)

The love story between Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian began on May 12, 2015, at the luxurious Cavalieri Hotel in Rome. Williams was in the Italian capital preparing for the Italian Open, while Ohanian was attending a tech conference, setting the stage for what would become one of the most talked-about celebrity meet-cutes in recent history.

The Breakfast Encounter That Started It All

The initial meeting was far from romantic. Williams, who typically avoided breakfast during tournaments due to nerves, decided to break her routine and head downstairs to the hotel restaurant. When she arrived, the main breakfast area was closed, so she and her team—including her trainer and coach—settled at a table in an otherwise empty area.

“This big guy comes and he just plops down at the table next to us, and I’m like, ‘Huh! All these tables and he’s sitting here?’” Williams recalled in her 2017 Vanity Fair interview. The tennis champion and her team were initially unwelcoming to the stranger who had interrupted their peaceful morning.

The Imaginary Rat Incident

In what has become a legendary part of their origin story, Williams and her team attempted to discourage Ohanian from staying by telling him there was a rat at his table. “We told him there’s a rat, like, ‘It’s moved. Be careful! There’s a rat,’” Williams recounted during her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. “There was no rat.”

Despite their less-than-friendly reception, Ohanian didn’t budge. His persistence eventually led Williams to invite him to join their table, a decision that would change both their lives forever.

From Rome to Paris: The First Date

The French Open Invitation

After their breakfast encounter, Williams made a bold move that surprised even herself—she invited Ohanian to watch her play at the French Open later that month. To her amazement, the Reddit co-founder accepted the invitation and flew to Paris for the weekend, marking the beginning of their official courtship.

The Interrogation Date

Their first official date in Paris was anything but conventional. Williams brought along her assistant and agent Jill Smoller, turning what should have been a romantic evening into an intensive questioning session. “They just bombarded me with questions—it was like two hours of interrogation,” Ohanian recalled. “Do I have kids? Am I married? Nothing was off limits.”

The Marvel Connection

The turning point in their relationship came when Ohanian began discussing his passion for Marvel comics and Iron Man during dinner. “During dinner, he started talking about Iron Man and Marvel. That’s the way to my heart,” Williams revealed in her ESPN+ docuseries “In The Arena.” Ohanian’s genuine enthusiasm for superhero lore—describing himself as someone who had “deeply studied the text” and held “strong opinions about this lore”—created an unexpected bond between the tennis champion and the tech entrepreneur.

Building Their Relationship: 2015-2016

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian (Image via Getty)

Going Public

By September 2015, their relationship had grown serious enough for Ohanian to publicly support Williams at the US Open. He posted a photo from the stands with the caption “Come at the queen, you best not miss. #USOpen,” showing his growing investment in Williams’ career.

The Foundation of Their Love

What made their relationship work was the genuine respect and support they showed each other. Williams later told Allure magazine, “Alexis doesn’t dim my light. He doesn’t try to dim my light. He puts me in the light, even if I don’t want to be. He pushes me to further points I never thought about.” This mutual support became the cornerstone of their relationship.

The Romantic Proposal: December 2016

Returning to Their Roots

On December 10, 2016, Ohanian orchestrated one of the most romantic proposals in celebrity history by taking Williams back to the exact location where they first met—the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome. The proposal took place at the same table where they had their awkward first encounter, bringing their love story full circle.

The Reddit Announcement

True to their unique relationship, Williams announced their engagement on Reddit with a heartfelt poem:

“I came home. A little late. Someone had a bag packed for me. And a carriage waited. Destination: Rome. To escort me to my very own ‘charming.’ Back to where our stars first collided. And now it was full circle. At the same table, we first met by chance. But by choice. Down on knee. He said 4 words. And I said yes.”

Marriage and Family Life

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian (Image via Getty)

The Wedding

Williams and Ohanian tied the knot in November 2017 in a star-studded ceremony in New Orleans. Their wedding came after the birth of their first daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., who was born in September 2017.

Growing Their Family

The couple welcomed their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian, in August 2023, completing their family of four. Throughout their marriage, both have continued to support each other’s professional endeavors while prioritizing their family life.

The Secret to Their Success

Mutual Support and Understanding

The key to Williams and Ohanian’s successful relationship lies in their mutual respect and support for each other’s careers. Ohanian has been a constant presence at Williams’ matches, while Williams has supported Ohanian’s various business ventures and advocacy work.

Balancing Fame and Privacy

Despite their high-profile careers, the couple has managed to maintain a relatively private family life while still sharing meaningful moments with their fans. Their approach to social media and public appearances shows a careful balance between transparency and privacy.