Tennis legend Serena Williams and her family stole the spotlight at the ESPYs 2024, though fans noticed her youngest child was missing.
Serena Williams, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., and Alexis Ohanian attend the 2024 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Serena shared glimpses of their night on social media, and the public response was electric. Dressed in a striking black gown with gold straps, Serena radiated elegance as she posed alongside her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their adorable daughter, Alexis Olympia.
The star’s husband looked dapper in a classic black suit and tie, adding a touch of flair with green sneakers. Their daughter shone in a glittery silver dress and matching shoes, with her long cornrows perfectly complementing her outfit. Serena’s blonde hair added a chic touch to her stunning look.
The family photo sparked a wave of reactions from fans and followers. Many were in awe of how quickly Alexis Olympia was growing up, with comments like, “Oh my gosh… she is growing up so fast!!” Others couldn’t help but admire the family’s coordinated style, saying, “Beautiful family.”
A fan complimenting Serena Williams’ daughter, Alexis | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
However, the photo also raised questions about Serena’s second child. Observant fans noted the absence and expressed their curiosity. One commenter remarked, “Someone is missing.”
Another questioned, “So the new baby doesn’t exist or something?? Never show then…[sic].” Another fan even tagged Serena, asking, “Erhhhhh @serenawilliams … your other daughter 👀[sic].”
A fan expressing curiosity about Serena Williams’ second child | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
In August 2023, Serena and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, welcomed their second child, a daughter named Adira River Ohanian. Alexis joyfully announced Adira’s arrival on Instagram, sharing heartfelt family photos with their newborn.
“Welcome, Adira River Ohanian,” he began, expressing his gratitude for their healthy, baby girl and her equally healthy mother. “Feeling grateful,” he added. He showered Serena with appreciation, calling her the “GMOAT”—Greatest Mother of All Time—and thanked her for blessing him with another incomparable gift.
Earlier this year, Serena opened up about the joys and challenges of motherhood on the “TODAY” show. In a candid conversation with Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, Serena discussed how raising two girls has changed her life.
With her daughters six years apart, Serena cherishes her daytime moments with the youngest while the eldest is at school. When the school day ends, she also spends quality time with her older daughter.
Serena Williams on “TODAY” | Source: YouTube/@HodaAndJenna
Reflecting on some valuable advice she received, Serena shared, “Someone gave me the best advice: spend more time with the oldest because they will remember.” Taking this to heart, she ensures that her eldest daughter feels special and cherished whenever she’s home.
On July 1, the tennis legend once again captured the attention of her fans and followers by sharing a significant milestone in her postpartum fitness journey.
She posted an Instagram video that shows her trying on her Valentino denim midi skirt for the third time, documenting her progress in her quest to fit into the beloved garment.
Serena Williams ready to try on her Valentino denim skirt, as seen in a video dated July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
In the caption, Serena wrote, “Ok everyone the jean skirt is baaaaaaackkkkkk. Paris was fun, but I gotta see if I can fit in this skirt yet – saying a little prayer…lol.”
In the video, she appeared in a light pink romper, exuding a blend of anticipation and humor. “I haven’t tried it on since last time. So, let’s see what happens here. Let’s say our prayers. Don’t get negative if it doesn’t work out,” she told her fans.
Serena Williams ready to try on her Valentino denim skirt, as seen in a video dated July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
As she attempted to pull on the skirt, Serena displayed determination and optimism. The video revealed that while she was able to button the skirt, she still couldn’t zip it up completely. Nonetheless, she celebrated the small victory, noting, “We don’t have that big of a problem anymore, but we still got a little bit of a problem.”
Serena Williams tries to fit into her Valentino denim skirt, as seen in a video dated July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
With her characteristic wit, Serena asked, “Who in the world is fitting these skirts?” Despite the slight setback, she expressed her satisfaction with the progress made so far.
“I might need to check back in another few weeks,” she added, and acknowledged that it was “a little tight,” and she couldn’t “really breathe.”
Serena Williams tries to button up her Valentino denim skirt, as seen in a video dated July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
Grateful for the support from her followers, Serena thanked them for being part of her “long” and “hard journey.” She acknowledged the collective effort, saying, “We’ve made a lot of progress.” The video sparked a wave of reactions, drawing both praise and criticism from her fanbase.
Serena Williams trying on her Valentino denim skirt, as seen in a video dated July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
Many fans showered her with supportive comments, appreciating her transparency and celebrating her current appearance. “You look amazing! You just need a different jeans skirt with some stretch!!” one fan suggested.
Another supporter praised her post-pregnancy transformation, saying, “Serena, you look absolutely amazing after 2 babies 🙌 and show how black women look even better with age! 🙌”
Serena Williams succeeds in buttoning up her Valentino denim skirt, as seen in a video dated July 1, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
However, not all reactions were purely positive. Some netizens speculated about the methods behind her weight loss, suggesting the use of medication. “OZEMPIC!!” quipped one user, while another commented, “Apparently ozempic is amazing.”
Beyond her attempts to fit into the skirt, Serena has been open about her broader postpartum journey. Nearly a year after giving birth to Adira River Ohanian, she shared her struggles with postpartum insecurities and her weight loss goals.
On June 15, she posted a video of herself undergoing a “tummy” skin tightening procedure as a form of self-care. Serena started her caption by discussing how difficult it was to prioritize herself as a mother of two, saying she finally became comfortable taking an hour during nap time away from her kids and work to focus on herself.
Serena Williams undergoing a tummy tightening procedure, as seen in a video dated June 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
She shared that during her last trip to Paris, a friend treated her to a spa day, knowing she had felt self-conscious about her tummy after having two babies.
In the clip, Serena is seen lying on a spa table as a technician massages her stomach with a device. She mentioned that she was undergoing a type of radio frequency treatment on her tummy and that the results had been amazing.
Serena Williams undergoing a tummy tightening procedure, as seen in a video dated June 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/serenawilliams
“I can see progress with my skin going back to normal and my confidence coming back.” She acknowledged the permanent changes to her body, saying, “My body will never be the same but neither will I cause I have two amazing lights in my life.”
Serena Williams expressed gratitude to her friends for encouraging her to take time for self-care. She appreciated their support in helping her understand it’s okay to take time for herself away from work and kids.
She concluded her post by urging others to share their self-care habits and the challenges they face in balancing self-care with motherhood.
Serena’s journey and open updates continue to engage and inspire her audience, sparking conversations about fitness, health, and body positivity. Her candid approach highlights the realities of postpartum weight loss and the persistence required to achieve personal goals.