At 42, Serena Williams Finally Breaks Silence on Divorce: “It’s a Heartbreak Moment”

Tennis icon Serena Williams, 42, has publicly addressed her rumored divorce from Alexis Ohanian for the first time, calling it “one of the most heartbreaking chapters” of her life.

After months of speculation and silence, Serena took to social media with a candid and emotional post that confirmed what many had suspected: her marriage to the Reddit co-founder has ended. In a heartfelt message, the 23-time Grand Slam champion wrote:

“Sometimes love stories don’t last forever, no matter how deeply they’re written. Alexis and I have decided to part ways after a lot of thought, and even more love. This has been one of the most heartbreaking chapters of my life.”

The post was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of Serena walking alone on a beach, her wedding ring noticeably absent. Within minutes, the internet erupted with reactions—ranging from supportive messages from fans and fellow athletes, to speculation about what led to the separation.

Serena and Alexis had been married since 2017 and share one daughter, Olympia, who has frequently appeared in both parents’ social media posts. The couple had often been praised as one of the most progressive and high-profile power couples, blending sports, tech, and philanthropy.

In her statement, Serena emphasized that co-parenting remains a priority:

“What we built as parents is unbreakable. Alexis will always be in my life — as Olympia’s father, as someone I once loved, and as someone I deeply respect.”

Sources close to the couple have hinted that their decision to divorce was mutual, and that no dramatic fallout or scandal triggered the split. One friend, who spoke anonymously, shared: “They just grew apart. Serena’s schedule, the business ventures, motherhood — everything shifted. They tried to make it work, but in the end, they chose peace over pressure.”

While Alexis Ohanian has not yet released a formal statement, he did post a simple tweet hours after Serena’s announcement:

“Love doesn’t always look the way we imagined. Still grateful. Still hopeful.”

Fans and fellow athletes were quick to show their support. Venus Williams, Serena’s sister and longtime doubles partner, commented under the Instagram post with a simple, “I love you always.” Naomi Osaka also shared a story that read: “Serena, thank you for always showing us strength — even in your quietest moments.”

Mental health advocates and relationship experts have also praised Serena for using her platform to normalize conversations about loss, transition, and emotional honesty.

This isn’t the first time Serena has shown the world her vulnerability. From opening up about postpartum struggles to her difficult decision to retire from tennis in 2022, the champion has consistently embraced both strength and softness — a duality that continues to inspire millions.

For now, Serena says she’s focusing on “healing, motherhood, and rediscovering joy in the small things.”

“The court taught me how to fight,” she wrote. “Now I’m learning how to let go with grace.”