Serena Williams Says Wimbledon Trophy Doesn’t ‘Hold a Candle’ to Volunteering

Serena Williams may be one of the most highly decorated tennis players ever, but there’s another title she loves even more — mom.

In a new interview with Byrdie, the retired tennis pro and mom of two, 42, was asked what has brought her the most happiness in her life. “My kids,” she responded without hesitation. “I can’t say that a Wimbledon trophy holds a candle to volunteering at my kid’s school.”

Williams shares her daughters Olympia, 6, and Adira, who was born in August 2023, with husband Alexis Ohanian, 40.

The sports icon, who recently launched a new beauty brand, added that as they grow up, “I want my daughters to look at my career and learn that being authentic to themselves is really the most important thing.”

“I also hope my daughters see how many different passions I have — from tennis to beauty — and learn that they can lead dynamic careers and lives across their many interests,” she told the outlet. 

Prior to the interview, in March, the proud mom shared an adorable photo of Olympia as she settled into her role as big sister to Adira. In the sweet photo, Olympia holds her baby sister in her arms, smiling and laughing.

“Big sister hard at work with baby sis,” Williams wrote in the caption. Ohanian also chimed in on the post, commenting, “Name a more iconic duo. I’ll wait.”

This past February, Williams took a moment to honor her postpartum body as she posed in a white two-piece, holding Adira.

“Loving yourself is essential. I find that I have to remind myself of that self-love through all different stages in my life. Right now I love that my body is not picture perfect,” she began her caption.

“I love that I smell like milk – that milk sustains @adiraohanian I love getting to know a new version of my body. It is a change, but it’s a change that has been well worth it,” she continued.

“So start this week, knowing that you are loved, and that starts with you. Ok, now I’m about to go to the gym 🤪 Serena,” Williams concluded her caption.

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Byrdie’s new digital issue starring Serena Williams is available now.