Serena Williams’ baby announcement on Monday surprised more than just her fans. The tennis superstar revealed that she and her husband Alexis Ohanian kept their second child’s birth a secret from a very important person in their home: Olympia, their 5-year-old daughter!
Williams shares a behind-the-scenes look at the couple’s journey to the 2023 Met Gala in a video posted to her Instagram page on Friday. “Olympia doesn’t know I’m pregnant right now, so the big reveal will be at the Met, and then I’ll tell Olympia before we leave,” Williams explains. “The only reason I haven’t told her is because she can’t keep a secret!”
The video shows the moment Williams and Ohanian appear to have shared the news with their daughter, who lunges in to hug her mother while smiling brightly.
Another scene shows Williams trying on outfits in a closet as she plans her big red carpet surprise, hilariously comparing one trench coat look to Inspector Gadget’s signature costume.
Williams’ new YouTube channel is teased in the video, and she encourages her fans to “stay tuned” and subscribe for future releases.
On Monday evening, Williams announced her second pregnancy on Instagram, posting photos of herself and Ohanian ahead of the annual event. “Was so excited when Anna Wintour invited the three of us to the Met Gala,” she wrote in the caption.
Soon after, the couple walked the Met Gala carpet.
Ohanian also discussed the news and Olympia’s reaction to becoming a big sister.
“Mama & Papa love this parenting thing, so we’re back at it and @olympiaohanian is gonna be the best Big Sister—she’s been asking & praying for this for a minute,” the American internet entrepreneur wrote on Twitter alongside two photos from the Met Gala. #MetGala.”
“Details matter,” he said, next to a bracelet that said “PAPA.” Better than Founder…. CEO…. PAPA.”
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Williams has been very open about her desire for another child since giving birth to Olympia in 2017.
Williams detailed how her daughter prays for a baby sister and frequently says she wants to be a big sister in Vogue’s September 2022 issue, in which she announced her intention to retire from professional tennis – something Williams and Ohanian have been planning for.
“In the last year, Alexis and I have been trying to have another child, and we recently got some information from my doctor that put my mind at ease and made me feel that whenever we’re ready, we can add to our family,” she explained. “I definitely don’t want to be pregnant as an athlete again.” I need to be two feet into tennis or two feet out.”
Details matter. Best title I've ever had – better than Founder…. CEO….
PAPA pic.twitter.com/BWeHmestW6
— Alexis Ohanian 🇦🇲 (@alexisohanian) May 2, 2023
And, after everything she’s been through, it appears that Williams is stepping away from the court with both feet.
“In my opinion, I should have had 30-plus grand slams.” I had my chances after returning from giving birth. “I went from having a C-section to having a second pulmonary embolism to having a grand slam final,” she admitted. “I was playing while breastfeeding.” I struggled with postpartum depression. But I didn’t make it. Shoulda, woulda, and coulda. I did not appear as I should or could have. But it’s okay because I showed up 23 times. It’s truly extraordinary. But these days, if I have to choose between expanding my tennis resume and expanding my family, I go with the latter.”
