Tennis star Serena Williams is, quite literally, the most prolific athlete of our times. There isn’t a single record she hasn’t broken on the tennis court, a glass ceiling she hasn’t shattered, and an opportunity she hasn’t seized and completely crushed. Both on her own and with sister Venus, she has received unprecedented acclaim from nearly every single section of society. However, it still doesn’t feel enough, especially in light of the undeniable impact she’s made on tennis, and on sports in general. In recent years, though, a lot of the focus has turned to Serena Williams' husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian.
Their relationship is thought to be fairly unconventional in today’s culture, even with the progress that’s taken place in matters of gender equality over the past decade or so. Their sweet, loving partnership, which the two haven’t been shy in showcasing, has been singled out by the press time and again. But it’s not often that they delve into Alexis’ thought process and decision-making.
The more you learn about his understanding of masculinity and marriage, the more appreciation you develop for their unique arrangement. Here’s what we can learn from Alexis Ohanian and his point of view.
Alexis Reveals His 'Compromises' for Serena & Their Daughter
The first thing to note about Alexis Ohanian is that he isn’t merely a trophy husband who had no choice but to surrender to Serena’s enormous career.
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian, an internet entrepreneur, met in 2015 while staying at the same hotel in Rome. The tennis ace was there for the Italian Open, and he was attending the Festival of Media Global conference. Alexis proposed in late 2016, at the same hotel. The two welcomed daughter Olympia the following year, and then wed in November 2017 in New Orleans.
A co-founder of Reddit, Alexis has also developed and launched a number of other enterprises, including venture capital firm Initialized Capital, travel search platform Hipmunk, and niche-merchandise website Breadpig. He’s an influential entrepreneur and philanthropist in the tech space, so he could have easily rested on his laurels and tried to maintain a "balance" between work and family, as many men do.
Yet, Alexis didn’t want to take the easy route. He wanted to be the best possible husband to the woman he calls the “greatest mom of all time.” In an eye-opening essay for Glamour, Alexis credits his mindset to his mother and father, who instilled in him a passion for “showing up” and putting in an effort day in, day out.
By watching [my parents] up close, I learned what it means to be supportive, how to make compromises without sacrificing yourself, and how to show up in the ways that matter.
Alexis Ohanian on Glamour
He realized early on that it was going to be an uphill battle to get quality time with Serena, considering how they both had hectic schedules that always kept them “on the road.” That’s why they always planned out their calendars in advance, to ensure there “isn’t more than a week that [they] go without seeing each other.”
Alexis Ohanian Became 'Business Dad' After Olympia's Birth
However, their dynamic shifted with the birth in 2017 of their daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. (better known as simply Olympia). Alexis was lucky enough to take 16 weeks of paid leave, which enabled him to discover the beauty of fatherhood in its most powerful form. Since then, he’s undertaken the role of a “business dad" (his term), where the lion’s share of his energy is fixated on his daughter, and whatever his wife requires from him.
It’s not that he’s retired from his profession. Rather, he understands the necessity of making “compromises” for the sake of the family. He does say he’s “fortunate to be his own boss,” which extends freedoms such as bringing Olympia into the office or working remotely. However, he also acknowledges that Serena’s work takes precedence. “At the end of the day, sometimes her career really does have to come first,” he wrote in Glamour.
Serena Williams & Husband Alexis' Relationship Isn't One-Sided
Since welcoming Olympia, Alexis has become a staunch advocate for paid paternity leave, and encourages other men to prioritize, and value, what it means to be a dad. They shouldn’t be ashamed if they’re left to do what is traditionally known as “women’s work.”
Taking care of your child should be an intuitive feeling. You’re not supposed to consider social stigmas, or how they interfere with your presentation of masculinity. As Alexis writes, “If you need to make more money than your partner to have confidence, then I think there’s something more going on under the hood.”
I know I’ve been successful in my career, but I’m not the one racking up the trophies. It helps that my wife and I both know what it takes to be successful and bring that mutual understanding, drive, and relentlessness to the table [...] I’m far from perfect, but I try to get behind her and let her know I’m there for her and our daughter, no matter what.
Alexis Ohanian in Glamour
If your “swagger” relies on seeking validation from archaic gender roles, it’s probably not real in the first place. Despite social changes that have occurred over the past 50 years, many men still pride themselves on being the breadwinner. Childcare is a secondary hobby for many of them, which is why we should celebrate Alexis’ approach to what he deems as a necessary evolution of our culture.
Serena Williams & Alexis Ohanian Know What It Takes to Be Successful
Furthermore, he doesn’t see his relationship with Serena as one-sided. They have extensive conversations about “her career goals and what she can do to reach them,” but “she does the same with [him].” The pair is always looking out for each other and their happiness; if neither is happy within the partnership, the other is willing to do whatever it takes to change course. “I know I’ve been successful in my career, but I’m not the one racking up the trophies,” he said.
Both Alexis and Serena are well aware of “what it takes to be successful,” and they’re able to bring “mutual understanding, drive, and relentlessness to the table." Alexis isn't the first, or the last, man to favor fatherhood over professional glory. And it can feel problematic to underscore a man’s sacrifice when women have been doing the same since time immemorial. However, progress is progress, nonetheless. Any upward movement in the road to gender equality should be recognized; if we don’t address any change, how will we know what comes next?
Little Compromises Are Part of a Healthy Relationship
It goes without saying that many men need to step up and “surprise and delight” like Alexis if they want to develop a true partnership with the women in their lives. You can’t expect to get it right 100 percent of the time. But as long as your head is in the right place, and you care about the other person, you’ll make it work. Of course, it’s not as if women don’t also have to concede in many areas to strengthen the partnership. Sacrifices are required from both sides.
However, when you’re in love, and immersed in the idea of happiness, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t feel like a compromise at all, because it’s instinctive to you. It’s what you’re meant to be doing with your time because it’s what brings you the most fulfillment.
At the very least, if you don’t have time or space or mental capacity to make a compromise, effort does go a long way. Persistent, strategic, oftentimes creative effort is a potent weapon; it shows that people you are serious and ready to navigate any hurdle. As long as you’re showing willingness, half your battle is over.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.