Serena Williams, widely recognized as one of the greatest tennis players of all time with 23 Grand Slam titles under her belt, is known for her unwavering discipline and dedication. These qualities, honed through years of rigorous training, now extend seamlessly into her role as a mother to two daughters, Olympia (8) and Adira (2), whom she shares with husband Alexis Ohanian.
Speaking at the Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles, Williams candidly admitted that leaving her children for work commitments can be particularly challenging. “Well, tonight was definitely a little more difficult,” she shared with PEOPLE magazine. “I don’t like to leave my kids.” The reason? A carefully crafted nighttime ritual that she insists on upholding every evening. “I have a nighttime routine with them every day,” Williams explained.
This commitment to consistency underscores the importance of structure and routine in fostering healthy sleep habits, a principle recognized by both parents and child development experts. Studies consistently show that quality sleep has a profound impact on children’s happiness, alertness, cognitive function, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Williams’ dedication to this nightly ritual reflects her deep understanding of its significance.
Interestingly, this unwavering focus mirrors the disciplined approach she brought to her tennis career. In a previous interview with CNBC, Williams drew parallels between the demands of professional sports and business success: “Tennis is [played] every day, you have to do it every day. You have to train, and business is the same. It is exactly the same. You have to be very disciplined. You also have to be determined through ups and downs, be determined to keep going.” This laser-sharp concentration clearly translates into her parenting style as well.
Williams openly expresses pride in both her athletic accomplishments and her role as a mother. Describing herself as “a wonderful mom” in an interview with Time magazine for their 100 Most Influential People list, she emphasized: “I think we, as women, don’t give ourselves credit, but I’m a great mom. I really am. I do everything. I’m freaking the room mom at Olympia’s school this year.” This self-assuredness, combined with her commitment to creating a structured and nurturing home environment for her children, paints a picture of a mother who is both fiercely devoted and undeniably effective.
Serena Williams’ unwavering dedication to discipline—evident in her legendary tennis career and now meticulously applied to motherhood—underscores the power of consistency and structure in achieving success, both on the court and at home.
