When it comes to future tennis champions, all eyes are on Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., Serena Williams’ 4-year-old daughter. The 23-time grand slam champion made sure to get her mini-me into the sport early, and frequently shares pictures and videos of them on the tennis court together.
On Monday, Williams appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and was asked about Alexis’ tennis skills.
“And how is she at tennis,” host Ellen DeGeneres asked during the episode.
Williams paused and then jokingly asked the daytime TV host whether she should answer as a mom or as a tennis pro.
She went on to explain that the 4-year-old isn’t consistent just yet, but she has her strong moments periodically.
“I’m like, that’s a good shot but that’s not her consistent backhand [shot],” Williams told DeGeneres. “I’ve seen 4-year-olds that might take her out so we have to get her trained.”
DeGeneres also asked the tennis star why she signed her daughter up for private tennis lessons anonymously.
“I don’t have the patience to teach tennis,” Williams said. “It’s so weird but I don’t really like to play with people who don’t know how to play tennis well.”
The tennis champion told DeGeneres that she didn’t want to tell Alexis’ teacher who she was, but Williams also said she wanted to share with her Instagram followers how excited she was about her daughter taking lessons. Little did she know, the teacher followed her on the platform and saw everything.
Williams said the teacher thought she could have been referring to her, but she wasn’t exactly sure.
“She didn’t know it was going to be her, but I must be in the running,” Williams told DeGeneres.
Williams also talked about King Richard, the Oscar-nominated movie about her and her sister’s journey to dominate the sport. She shared that it took a long time to make the film, but she’s incredibly happy with the outcome.
“I was so proud of everyone and how everything came together,” she said with a smile. “It was a wonderful moment, and I think the film will live on for a really long time.”
