Not Until They Pay Her What She’s Worth” – Alexis Ohanian Opens Up About Serena Williams’ Reaction to a Question About Daughter Olympia Making it to National Tier
In a world where sports excellence is often tied to monetary value, Serena Williams has made it abundantly clear that her daughter, Olympia, will not be following in her footsteps until the powers that be recognize her worth—financially and otherwise. In a bold and controversial statement, Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, recently revealed the tennis legend’s unapologetic response to questions regarding Olympia’s future in professional sports: “Not until they pay her what she’s worth.”
This striking revelation comes at a time when gender equality and pay equity in sports are hot-button issues. Serena, widely regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time, has long been vocal about the discrepancies between men’s and women’s earnings in sports, and it seems she is adamant about not letting her daughter face the same battles she did. But what does this stance mean for the future of women in sports, particularly in a system that still undervalues female athletes? Could this be the watershed moment that propels further reform, or does it reflect the growing frustration among female athletes that things haven’t changed enough?
Serena Williams: A Career Defined by Excellence and Inequality
To fully understand Serena’s response, it’s important to look back at her own career and the numerous challenges she faced. Serena Williams has spent over two decades dominating the tennis court, accumulating 23 Grand Slam singles titles—an achievement unparalleled in the Open Era. Yet, despite her unparalleled success, she constantly battled against sexism, racism, and pay disparity.
Tennis, like many other sports, has historically awarded male athletes significantly higher payouts and sponsorship deals. In fact, until recently, many tournaments offered unequal prize money, with men often earning substantially more than their female counterparts. Although Serena’s influence helped to narrow that gap, especially in tennis, many other sports continue to lag behind. Serena’s comments on the future of her daughter echo the struggles she endured and suggest that Olympia’s potential career in sports won’t be subjected to the same inequities unless drastic changes are made.
Alexis Ohanian: An Advocate for Equality
Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and a tech entrepreneur, has been a strong advocate for gender equality, both in his professional and personal life. Since his marriage to Serena, he has championed women’s rights, particularly in the workplace and in sports. His outspoken support for pay equality extends beyond his wife’s career; Ohanian has invested in women’s sports and organizations focused on leveling the playing field for female athletes.
His remarks on Serena’s stance about Olympia offer a candid glimpse into the couple’s shared values. As a father, Ohanian appears committed to ensuring that his daughter is not only valued for her abilities but also receives the financial recognition she deserves—a lesson undoubtedly learned from Serena’s personal experiences in professional tennis.
“Serena’s been through it all,” Ohanian remarked in a recent interview. “She knows what it’s like to be underpaid and undervalued despite being the best in the world. We’ve had countless conversations about it, and she’s adamant that Olympia won’t step into that world until things are different.”
Pay Disparity in Sports: A Global Issue
While tennis has made strides in offering equal prize money at top-tier tournaments like Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, most sports still struggle with gender pay inequality. A 2021 BBC study revealed that nearly 83% of sports offered higher pay to men than women. The gap is most glaring in team sports, with women’s basketball, soccer, and hockey players earning a fraction of their male counterparts.
Serena’s comments suggest that she expects more than just marginal improvements by the time Olympia is ready to take center stage. It’s not enough for women to “close the gap”; they must be recognized for their inherent worth and contribution to their sport.
But here’s the uncomfortable question: Will such demands for fair pay and treatment hinder the growth of young female athletes, or could it finally force sports organizations to confront and resolve these issues head-on?
The Pressure on Olympia’s Future
Olympia Ohanian, born to two incredibly high-profile parents, has been in the spotlight since birth. With a mother as accomplished as Serena Williams, it’s only natural that fans and the media would wonder whether she’ll follow in her mother’s footsteps on the tennis court. Videos of Olympia swinging a tennis racket have already sparked speculation about her potential to continue the Williams legacy.
However, Serena’s reaction to questions about Olympia’s future points to a broader issue: the societal expectation that children must follow in their famous parents’ footsteps and the financial exploitation that often accompanies young talent. Serena’s refusal to let Olympia enter the world of sports until she is “paid what she’s worth” is not just about money but also about ensuring that her daughter’s value is not measured solely by her athletic achievements.
A Call for Change or a Power Play?
Some might argue that Serena’s stance is a call for much-needed change. It’s no secret that women, especially women of color, continue to face obstacles that their male counterparts don’t. By drawing a line in the sand and demanding that Olympia be compensated fairly before she ever sets foot on a tennis court, Serena is taking a principled stand for future generations of female athletes.
Others, however, may see this as a power play—a way to ensure that Olympia, before she even decides whether she wants a career in sports, is positioned to secure lucrative deals. Critics may argue that this could place unnecessary pressure on a young child who, like any child, should be allowed to explore their interests freely.
The Future of Women’s Sports
Ultimately, Serena’s comment about Olympia’s worth has sparked a much-needed conversation about pay equity in sports. As more female athletes advocate for better treatment and equal pay, the hope is that future generations won’t have to fight the same battles. Whether Olympia will pick up a racket and compete at the national tier remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Serena Williams will not allow her daughter—or any other female athlete—to be undervalued.
In a world where pay often equates to respect, Serena’s statement serves as a reminder that the fight for gender equality in sports is far from over.
