Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian Reflect on the Powerful Influence of Their Mothers: Heartfelt Tributes to Unwavering Love and Strength

In the world of sports and business, few figures shine as brightly as Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian. Yet, behind their immense success lies a deep and abiding respect for the women who raised them, shaped their values, and instilled in them the drive to achieve greatness. Both Serena and Alexis have consistently highlighted the powerful influence of their mothers, acknowledging them as their greatest role models and sources of inspiration. As Mother’s Day approaches, their reflections on their mothers are filled with love, gratitude, and poignant memories that have touched the hearts of fans worldwide.

Serena Williams Thanks Her Mom in Poignant Letter

Serena Williams: A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Mother’s Unwavering Support

Serena Williams has long been admired not only for her tennis prowess but also for the strength and resilience she embodies off the court. As a mother herself, Serena has come to deeply appreciate the sacrifices and tireless dedication of her own mom, Oracene Price. In a powerful statement shared on social media, Williams expressed her gratitude for her mother’s role in shaping her life and career.

In a tweet posted on April 10, Serena shared the realities of being a mother, acknowledging the physical and emotional toll of parenthood. “Far too often, being a mom is a thankless full-time job, with no time or energy left to care for yourself,” she wrote. “I’m gonna thank my mom tomorrow for all she did for me—the things seen and unseen. #tired #exhausted #mom.” Her words resonate deeply with mothers everywhere, capturing the universal struggles of balancing selflessness with the demands of raising children.

Serena has consistently spoken about her mother’s influence, particularly on her mental toughness. During a 2023 interview with the New York Times DealBook Summit, Serena described her mother’s influence as central to her success. “If you have to take a human body, my dad was a body and my mom was a spine,” she said, emphasizing how her mother’s guidance and unwavering support allowed Serena to navigate the challenges of both her career and personal life.

Oracene Price’s nurturing presence has always been a steadying force for Serena, especially as she faced personal challenges, including the near-fatal complications during her childbirth. In her newly released cookbook, Indulge, Serena fondly reflects on her mother’s dedication. Oracene’s role as the foundation of her family’s success cannot be understated—she has been the emotional backbone that allowed Serena and her sister Venus to thrive in the world of professional tennis.

Serena Williams pens emotional tribute to mother | Page Six

Alexis Ohanian: Honoring His Late Mother’s Memory

For Alexis Ohanian, the love and admiration for his mother, Anke, runs equally deep. Anke Ohanian’s untimely passing in 2008, after a battle with Glioblastoma, left Alexis devastated. He has since found ways to channel his grief into meaningful endeavors, including the founding of the 776 Foundation, which honors his mother’s legacy by focusing on causes that were dear to her.

Recently, Ohanian took to social media to share an emotional tribute to his late mother. On the 16th anniversary of her death, Ohanian penned a heartfelt note reflecting on how the anniversary had once been one of the hardest days of the year for him. “This used to be the hardest day of the year for me… and then 3 years ago, I started my family foundation—and found a new meaning to this day,” he wrote. “One that I know she’d have been proud of.”

In addition to his foundation, Ohanian’s connection to his mother remains strong in the everyday moments he shares with his family. On a recent trip to Sweden, Ohanian captured a video featuring Nordic licorice, a treat his mother adored. “This Nordic licorice reminds me of my mom, she loved the stuff,” he shared on Instagram, reminiscing about his mother’s fondness for the unique flavor. “It’s not for the weak—but I love it too, NGL. Tack Sweden! see ya again soon.” His post was a touching reminder of the little things that keep his mother’s memory alive and the deep bond they shared.

The Unseen Power of Motherhood

For both Serena and Alexis, their mothers were not just influential figures in their lives—they were also the unsung heroes who provided the emotional foundation needed to succeed in high-pressure careers. The sacrifices and selflessness of these women are what made it possible for Serena and Alexis to excel in their respective fields. Their mothers weren’t just providers—they were motivators, guiding their children through obstacles and challenges, teaching them the importance of resilience, and instilling values of kindness and empathy.

Serena and Alexis have both publicly acknowledged that their success would not have been possible without the unwavering support of their mothers. Whether it was Oracene’s dedication to her family and her unwavering belief in Serena’s potential or Anke’s wisdom and love that shaped Alexis’s character, both mothers provided the strength and guidance needed to navigate the complexities of life.

In a Stirring Note, Serena Williams Reaffirms Strong Beliefs Imbibed From  Mother Before Announcing an Exciting Offer for All Her Fans -  EssentiallySports

A Shared Legacy of Love and Strength

As Serena and Alexis reflect on their mothers’ legacies, it’s clear that the influence of these women extends far beyond their personal lives. Oracene Price and Anke Ohanian have helped shape the course of their children’s lives in ways that resonate deeply. The love and support they provided are the building blocks of the success their children have achieved, both in their personal and professional lives.

As we approach Mother’s Day, the heartfelt tributes shared by Serena and Alexis serve as powerful reminders of the lasting impact mothers have on their children’s lives. Their words speak to the universal experience of motherhood—of selfless love, sacrifice, and the quiet strength that fuels families and empowers individuals to reach for greatness.

For Serena, Alexis, and countless others, the love of a mother is the foundation upon which everything else is built. Whether it’s in the world of professional sports or in the corporate world, the influence of a mother is undeniable. It’s through their guidance, love, and belief in us that we are able to achieve our dreams.

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Maternal Love

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian’s tributes to their mothers are more than just personal reflections—they are reminders of the power of maternal love and the indelible mark it leaves on the lives of those who are lucky enough to experience it. As both athletes continue to shine in their respective fields, the memory of their mothers remains a source of inspiration, strength, and gratitude.

In a world where achievements are often measured in titles and accolades, the quiet influence of a mother is a reminder that the most important lessons in life come from those who love us unconditionally. For Serena, Alexis, and so many others, their mothers are the true champions—the ones who believed in them when no one else did, who picked them up when they fell, and who taught them that the greatest victories in life come from love, compassion, and resilience.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on the powerful, lasting influence of the women who have shaped us, supported us, and helped us become who we are today. For Serena and Alexis, the legacy of their mothers is not just in the lessons they taught—they are a living, breathing part of their journey to success.