Serena Williams has been awarded the prestigious Princess of Asturias Award for Sports in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the world of athletics. The award, presented by Princess Leonor, heir to the Spanish throne, honors individuals and organizations for their significant achievements across various fields, including sports, arts, and sciences. Williams, with an impressive record of 73 individual titles, 23 doubles titles, and four Olympic gold medals, has consistently demonstrated excellence in her sport. Her selection for this esteemed accolade underscores her status as one of the greatest athletes in history.
A celebration in Spain
The award ceremony will occur at the historic Campoamor Theater in Oviedo, Spain. Serena Williams is expected to attend the event with her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, Alexis Olympia and Adira River. Williams’s athletic achievements are well-documented, while Ohanian is recognized as a successful entrepreneur in the technology sector.
Alexis Ohanian’s journey
The journey of Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams began in 2015 at the Cavalieri Hilton Hotel in Rome during the Italian Open. Ohanian’s family history reflects resilience; his grandparents fled the Armenian genocide for a new life in the United States. Raised in Maryland, Ohanian’s background is diverse, with a German mother and a father who worked as a travel agent and pharmaceutical technician. As an only child, he was encouraged to explore his Armenian heritage through summer camps.
Ohanian’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. He delivered the commencement speech at his high school in 2001. Initially, he pursued a degree in computer science at the University of Virginia but later shifted his focus to business and history. His first venture, MyMobileMenu, a food delivery application, struggled to gain traction. However, his next project, Reddit, became a significant success.
Reddit and beyond
In 2006, Reddit was acquired by Condé Nast for an estimated $10 to $20 million, with co-founder Alexis Ohanian remaining as a board member. He returned to lead Reddit independently in 2015 but stepped back from daily operations in 2018 to focus on investment opportunities. Following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, Ohanian publicly advocated for greater representation by resigning from the Reddit board and urging the appointment of a Black successor.
Beyond Reddit, Ohanian has engaged in various investments and entrepreneurial ventures. He became the lead investor in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League in 2020 and founded Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm aimed at supporting technology founders. In May 2025, he gained attention for purchasing a stake in Chelsea Women FC and joining its board of directors.
Personal milestones in a shared journey
The relationship between tennis champion Serena Williams and tech entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian began during their first encounter at a hotel restaurant. Ohanian’s charisma quickly captured Williams’ attention, setting the stage for their romance. The couple’s bond strengthened during a trip to Paris, where Ohanian supported Williams at the French Open. Their time in the city included visits to iconic sites such as the Eiffel Tower, allowing them to immerse themselves in its vibrant culture.
Ohanian’s enthusiasm for Marvel comics and films added a unique layer to their relationship. Williams noted that this common interest fostered a deeper connection between them. Their engagement occurred in December 2016 at the very table where they first met. The couple celebrated their wedding in, inspired by Beauty and the Beast, with high-profile guests including Beyoncé and Jay-Z in attendance.
Family and advocacy
After the birth of their daughter, Alexis Olympia, Alexis Ohanian advocated for paternity leave in an article for The New York Times. His dedication to family advocacy prompted him to draft a bill aimed at establishing federal paid family leave to assist working parents. The couple’s relationship exemplifies mutual support, with Serena Williams noting that Ohanian helps illuminate her path toward realizing her dreams while allowing her to thrive in her career.
As Williams prepares to receive her latest accolade, her journey remains a source of inspiration, transcending the sports arena and encompassing personal growth, family advocacy, and entrepreneurial success. Her legacy extends beyond athletic achievement, making a significant impact on society through her numerous initiatives.