Serena Williams opens up about mom guilt as she admits being softer on daughter Adira than Olympia

Serena Williams is opening up about motherhood and the small moments that make her stop and think. On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the tennis legend appeared on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle in New York City. During the show, Serena Williams admitted she sometimes feels she is too soft on her younger daughter, Adira Ohanian, 2, compared to her older daughter, Olympia Ohanian, 8.

Serena Williams shares both daughters with her husband, Alexis Ohanian. While talking on the morning show, she said she often catches herself letting Adira get away with things. She added that she has to remind herself to stay fair, even when her heart pulls her toward her youngest child.

Serena Williams admits she is “too nice” to Adira while Olympia often says “no”

While sitting with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones, Serena Williams spoke honestly about her daughters’ personalities and how different they are at home.

She first spoke about Olympia. “The older one is so sweet. Olympia is so sweet,” Serena said with a smile.

When Sheinelle Jones asked if Olympia is a good big sister, Serena did not hesitate. “She’s the best big sister,” she said.

Then Serena talked about Adira. “The little one, Adira, she’s feisty, but she’s nice. I mean, I’m obsessed,” she said.

Serena Williams then shared the moment she realized she might be treating Adira differently. “I’m the youngest in my family, so I always have to make sure I’m not being too nice,” she explained.

“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Let her have it. Let her do it.’ And Olympia will say, ‘No!’ And I’m like, ‘No, let her do it!’” Jenna Bush Hager asked if Serena notices herself doing it in real time.

Serena laughed and answered, “Yes. I feel like I’ve got to shake out of that. It’s a whole new ballgame.”

The moment felt real. It showed a side of Serena Williams fans do not often see. Not the champion. Not the icon. Just a mom learning every day.



Earlier this month, in January 2026, Serena Williams shared family photos on Instagram after attending Venus Williams’ wedding.

The pictures showed Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, Olympia, and Adira smiling together. Olympia and Adira wore matching light blue dresses.

Serena wrote, “Joy does not always roar. Sometimes it whispers.” In November 2025, Serena also shared a sweet video of Adira learning tennis basics at home.

Adira wore tiny tennis whites and held a small racket while copying her mom’s moves. Serena captioned it, “This is me sharing my passion for tennis with my youngest daughter.”

Serena stepped away from professional tennis in September 2022. In an April 2024 Byrdie interview, she explained how her world has changed.

“My kids bring me the most happiness,” she said. She added that even her Wimbledon wins do not compare to time spent at her child’s school.






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