When you think about Serena Williams, you probably picture that terrifyingly good serve or her trophy room which honestly must be the size of a small apartment. But for years, the internet was basically obsessed with one thing: who is she dating? People spent over a decade trying to pin down every "Serena Williams and boyfriend" rumor that hit the tabloids. It was a whole saga. Before she settled down into what looks like a genuinely happy life with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, the journey was, well, a bit of a rollercoaster.
We’re talking about rappers, directors, and fellow athletes. Some were just "flirty friendships" that the media blew out of proportion, while others were long-term relationships that almost went the distance.
The Guys Who Came Before the Ring
Honestly, Serena’s dating life was a bit of a "who's who" of the mid-2000s and 2010s. Back in 2004, she was linked to director Brett Ratner. That lasted about two years. It was a pretty public relationship, but like many things in Hollywood, it eventually fizzled. Then came the Common era.
From about 2007 to 2010, Serena and the rapper were the "it" couple. They were spotted together everywhere, and Common even talked about how much he respected her drive. But even "perfect" couples hit walls. They split up, and though they’ve both said kind things about each other since, it was a major chapter that left fans wondering if she’d ever find someone who could match her intensity.
Then there was the Drake of it all.
You’ve probably seen the photos from 2015. Drake was sitting courtside at her matches, looking like her biggest fan. They were caught kissing at a restaurant in Cincinnati, and the internet basically lost its mind. People were convinced Drake was "the one." But sources later told Us Weekly it was more of a "flirty friendship" than a deep, soulmate-level romance. It was fun while it lasted, but Serena was looking for something more solid.
That Weird Rumor Mill
- Grigor Dimitrov: They were spotted having lunch in Paris back in 2012. He was much younger, and the "first date" vibes were everywhere. It didn't turn into a marriage.
- Patrick Mouratoglou: Her coach. This one was always a bit controversial. They never explicitly confirmed they were "dating" in the traditional sense, but the chemistry and the time spent together in Paris led to years of speculation.
- The "Secret" Relationships: Because Serena is a Jehovah's Witness, she often kept her private life under wraps, which only made people more curious.
How the "Reddit Guy" Actually Won Her Over
If you believe in fate, the story of Serena and Alexis Ohanian is basically your proof. They met in May 2015 at the Cavalieri Hotel in Rome. Serena was there for the Italian Open. Alexis was there for a tech conference.
He sat down at a table right next to her group. Serena and her friends actually tried to get him to move by telling him there was a rat near his table. Seriously. A rat. Alexis didn't care. He just said, "I'm from Brooklyn. I see rats all the time."
That was it. That was the moment.
They started talking, she invited him to watch her play in Paris, and he actually showed up. For a guy who didn't even watch tennis, flying to Paris for a weekend was a huge move. They walked around the city for six hours, and the rest is basically history.
Why Their Relationship Still Matters in 2026
Fast forward to today, and they aren't just a couple; they're a blueprint. In 2026, we’ve seen them navigate everything from Serena’s "evolution" away from tennis to the growth of their two daughters, Olympia and Adira.
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Just a few days ago, in early January 2026, Alexis had to jump on social media to shut down some nonsense rumors about Serena. It reminded everyone why they work. He’s her biggest advocate. He calls himself a "business dad" and a "groupie" for his wife.
The Realities of Being a Power Couple
It’s not all roses and Met Gala appearances. Serena has been very open about the fact that marriage isn't a "happily ever after" finish line. It’s work. She once told The New York Times that they are "totally opposite." She’s the athlete; he’s the tech guy. She’s Black; he’s White. But those differences seem to be what keeps them balanced.
In September 2025, she shared a video of a massive bouquet of roses he sent her just because. It wasn't even their anniversary yet. That kind of stuff keeps the "boyfriend" energy alive even after nearly a decade of being together.
What You Can Learn From Serena's Journey
Serena Williams didn't settle. She dated around, she had her heart broken, and she dealt with the world watching her every move. If you’re looking for a takeaway from her relationship history, it’s probably these few things:
- Don't ignore the "rat" table: Sometimes the person who annoys you at first is the one who actually sticks around.
- Opposites can thrive: You don't need to find a carbon copy of yourself. Alexis didn't know anything about tennis, and Serena wasn't exactly a Reddit power user.
- Support is everything: Find someone who is willing to be your "groupie" when you're winning and your shield when the internet gets weird.
If you're curious about where they are now, they’re mostly living a relatively "normal" life (for millionaires) in Florida, focusing on their venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, and raising their girls.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see more of their dynamic, check out Alexis’s "Business Dad" podcast or Serena’s recent Instagram posts from sister Venus’s wedding. It gives a much clearer picture of their life than any tabloid rumor ever could.