Serena Williams has spent her whole life rewriting the rules of greatness, but now she’s passing the torch to a toddler barely tall enough to see over a tennis net. The 23-time Grand Slam champion gave followers a rare peek at her 2-year-old daughter, Adira, during a casual little mother–daughter hitting session.

In the photos Serena shared on Instagram Nov. 24, she gently volleys a ball toward the pint-sized apprentice, who grips her racket with a seriousness usually reserved for Wimbledon finals. One frame shows Adira studying her mom like she’s decoding ancient athletic wisdom.

Another captures Serena leaning down, quietly explaining the motion. Serena summed up the moment with a caption that hits the heart: “This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter.”

A Family Powered by Sports

Serena’s parenting playbook reads like a love letter to movement, discipline, and delight. She and husband Alexis Ohanian already know the joy of raising a strong-willed mini-creative: their 8-year-old Olympia. That kid has opinions about everything from bedtimes to fashion design, and Serena fully encourages it.

Adira is clearly getting the same treatment. Her tennis debut might have stolen headlines, but the toddler is already a multi-sport athlete in the making. Back in August, the family posted a clip of Adira swinging a golf club on their backyard putting green, channeling the tiniest Tiger Woods energy you’ve ever seen.

The Williams-Ohanian household seems to be a universe where creativity and sport form a messy, magical blend. Serena co-owns the Los Angeles Golf Club with Alexis, which means both girls have grown up watching their parents dream big and build bigger.

Serena Williams was seen leaving Fouquet’s Hotel in New York City with her husband Alexis Ohanian, their kids, and their small dog in tow. The tennis legend kept it stylish in a burgundy romper and sandals while carrying her youngest and their Yorkshire terrier. The family appeared in great spirits during their outing in the city. *** Serena Williams fue vista saliendo del Hotel Fouquet's en Nueva York acompañada de su esposo Alexis Ohanian, sus hijos y su perrito. La leyenda del tenis lució un estilo elegante con un mono burdeos y sandalias, mientras cargaba a su hijo menor y a su Yorkshire terrier. La familia se mostró de muy buen humor durante su paseo por la ciudad.© The Grosby Group
Serena Williams was seen leaving Fouquet’s Hotel in New York City with her husband Alexis Ohanian, their kids.

When Fashion Meets Family Tradition

Serena’s world isn’t only about forehands and fairways. She’s also the powerhouse founder of Wyn Beauty and a creative force in fashion. Earlier this year, she teamed up with children’s brand Janie and Jack for a limited-edition collection, and naturally, the tiny design committee included Olympia and Adira.

Serena Williams is seen in Chelsea.© GC Images
Serena Williams is seen in Chelsea.

Serena told Parents Magazine that her eldest had strong views about colors and patterns. Thankfully, mother and daughter synced on most choices.

Raising Bold Girls With Big Energy

The loveliest thread running through Serena’s stories is her steady focus on raising daughters who know their worth. Awards and trophies are great, but she wants something deeper for them: confidence that doesn’t waver and identities that feel rooted and joyful.

Serena Williams and her daughter Olympia Ohanian attended the Artistic Gymnastics Women's Team Final on day four of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Paris Arena on July 30, 2024, in Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
© Getty Images
Serena Williams and her daughter Olympia Ohanian.

“I want them to always be certain of who they are and never shy away from being themselves,” she said. She hopes that whether they’re swinging a racket, picking a print, or just figuring out who they want to be in the world, they feel strong, comfortable, and completely themselves.

Serena might be retired from competition, but the way she’s shaping the next generation feels equally epic.