The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Serena Williams

  • All is set for Serena William’s $1 million wedding

    All is set for Serena William’s $1 million wedding

     

    It is yet to be seen what else will dominate the headlines come Thursday as American tennis star and

    multiple Grand Slam winner Serena Williams ties the knot with Reddit co-founder fiancé Alexis Ohanian.

    The event is said to be costing more than $1 million to stage and is being organized by celebrity wedding planner Preston Bailey.

    Attendees to the mother of all weddings will not be allowed to use their phones for photographs as exclusive contract has been sealed with Vogue editior Anna Wintour to run the photos.

    The wedding is coming just 11 weeks after the 36 year old gave birth to their daughter Alexis Olympia

    Ohanian Jr.

    The wedding is being held amid such secrecy that the guests have been informed only of the city where it will be held but not yet the venue.

    An insider however informed DailyMail.com that the couple, who met in 2015, will tie the knot in front of some of America’s biggest names at the Contemporary Arts Center in New Orleans, including Beyoncé, Jay Z and Kris Jenner.

    Among the guests could be Prince Harry’s girlfriend, Meghan Markle. The American actress, who finishes shooting legal drama Suits this week for the final time, has been a friend of Serena’s since 2014 and gushed earlier this year: ‘We are both the same age, have a penchant for hot sauces, and adore fashion, but what connects us more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations – our endless ambition.’

    The star-studded wedding guest list includes Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria and the pop singers Kelly Rowland and Ciara.

    The source says: ‘They have hired the best of the best and can’t wait to get married in The Big Easy. It’s a special city for Serena and somewhere she has always loved.

    ‘Serena and Alexis chose the Contemporary Arts Center because of its incredible architecture and history. They have instructed Preston to fill the hall with thousands of dollars worth of crystals and flowers. The hall will be totally transformed.’

  • Nursing mother Serena buys $6million mansion

    Nursing mother Serena buys $6million mansion

     

    Just days after listing her longtime home in Bel-Air, 36-year-old tennis star Serena Williams has snapped up a new home in a gated community just a few miles east in the just-as-luxe neighborhood of Beverly Hills for $6million

    The 6,000-square-foot home has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and dramatic views of the city.

    The huge open kitchen is decked out with state-of-the-art appliances, custom cabinets and marble countertops

    When the home was staged for pictures, it was decorated in light grays and browns with accents of black

    The white walls throughout the home make for a light and airy atmosphere that’s perfect for the southern California climate

    The outdoor living space includes a dining area with a built-in barbecue and refrigerator that can be used all year round in the California sunshine

    There’s even a small pool where Serena and Co can chill out on particularly hot days. Perhaps it will be the pool where little Alexis learns to swim

    The home has views of both the city of Los Angeles to the south and the San Fernando Valley to the north

    It’s unclear how often Williams will use her new home. Her primary residence is in West Palm Beach Florida, where she gave birth to her first child, Alexis Ohanian Jr., just last month and where she trains in the year-round sunny weather.

    And her fiancé, who she’s set to marry sometime this month, is Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit which is based in San Francisco.

    But as arguably the best tennis player in history – with an estimated net worth of $150million – Williams can afford to own however many homes she pleases.

    Her new home is three stories and set on a quarter-acre in a gated community.

    While the exterior of the home reflects the Spanish style of many homes in southern California, the interior is purely modern with its contemporary feel.

    Williams’ old home now listed for $11.995 million is slightly larger at 6,101 square feet, and one additional bedroom.  Neither of the homes have a tennis court for Williams to practice on.

  • Serena Williams Begins ‘Big Plan’ to Wed Alexis Ohanian

    Serena Williams Begins ‘Big Plan’ to Wed Alexis Ohanian

    Tennis star, Serena Williams is secretly planning to wed the millionaire entrepreneur father of her baby daughter in a romantic ceremony in New Orleans, this has been learnt.

    DailyMailTV recently report exclusively that the new mom Serena and Reddit co-founder fiancé Alexis Ohanian took a private jet day trip from her Florida home to meet with their wedding planner in the Big Easy early Monday morning.

    After a day of discussing arrangements and looking at prospective venues, the couple arrived home in time to see six-week-old daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. before bed-time.

    The 36-year-old Wimbledon favorite and holder of 23 Grand Slam titles looked in great shape, so soon after the birth of her first child, as she arrived in the city wearing black leggings and a black leather motorcycle jacket over a t-shirt emblazoned with the word ‘pretty,’ with the ‘r’ crossed out.

    While their wedding date hasn’t been confirmed to the public, their big day is speculated to take place sometime late this fall.

    The couple, who became engaged in December 2016, announced they would marry after their child was born.

    The Reddit co-founder popped the question to the tennis champion in December 2016 in Rome a year and a half after they first met.

    The 36-year-old found out she was pregnant in January just before the Austrailan Open and made history by winning her 23rd Grand Slam.

    Williams accidentally revealed the news of her pregnancy via Snapchat but basked in the glow of impending motherhood until welcoming her little one into the world just six weeks ago.

    We know Serena is going to be the most beautiful bride and we can’t wait to see the wedding photos!

  • Serena targets Australian Open title defence

    Serena targets Australian Open title defence

    Former world number one and new mum Serena Williams is targeting a return to Melbourne Park next year to defend her Australian Open title, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Tuesday.

    Williams, who won her 23rd Grand Slam title when pregnant at the 2017 tournament in January, gave birth to daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. on Sept. 1.

    She has just three months to get fit if she is to defend her title.

    “Serena will be back,” Tiley told reporters in Melbourne.

    “She wants to come back in 2018 and defend her title and she’s in training now.

    “There are several months to go and obviously it will be up to her as to where she is with her fitness.”

    The 36-year-old would be competing for a tournament record A$4 million ($3.11 million) winner’s purse in 2018, with total prize money hiked 10 per cent to A$55 million.

    NAN

  •  Serena’s incredible nod to Australia in baby’s name

     Serena’s incredible nod to Australia in baby’s name

     

    Serena Williams has revealed there is more to her daughter’s name than meets the eye.

    Williams gave birth to Alexis Olympia Ohanian on September 1 and was pregnant when she won her 23rd grand slam at the Australian Open in January.

    In a series of tweets, the 36-year-old claimed the fact her baby shares her initials with the Melbourne event is no accident.

    “I’m having a hard time posting about anything that does not involve Alexis Olympia or something to do with her,” she confessed.

    “Fun fact: My daughter’s initials are AO as in the Aussie Open she won with me.”

    Serena recently posted a heartfelt thank you to her mother, Oracene Price, for being a role model who helped the new mother through the many challenges of her life.

    “I hope to teach my baby Alexis Olympia the same, and have the same fortitude you have had,” Williams wrote on Reddit, after recounting the times “haters” questioned her success.

    The tennis star shared her hopes and wishes for her little girl.

    “Dear Mom, You are one of the strongest women I know. I was looking at my daughter (OMG, yes, I have a daughter) and she has my arms and legs! My exact same strong, muscular, powerful, sensational arms and body. I don’t know how I would react if she has to go through what I’ve gone through since I was a 15 year old and even to this day

    “I’ve been called man because I appeared outwardly strong. It has been said that that I use drugs (No, I have always had far too much integrity to behave dishonestly in order to gain an advantage). It has been said I don’t belong in Women’s sports – that I belong in Men’s – because I look stronger than many other women do. (No, I just work hard and I was born with this badass body and proud of it) …

    “I am proud we were able to show them what some women look like. We don’t all look the same. We are curvy, strong, muscular, tall, small, just to name a few, and all the same: we are women and proud! (sic)”

    Serena went on to thank her mother for being the “role model she needed”.

    “You are so classy, I only wish I could take your lead. I am trying, though, and God is not done with me yet. I have a LONG way to go, but thank you.

    “Thank you for being the role model I needed to endure all the hardships that I now regard as a challenges – ones that I enjoy. I hope to teach my baby Alexis Olympia the same, and have the same fortitude you have had.

    “Promise me, Mom, that you will continue to help. I’m not sure if I am as meek and strong as you are yet. I hope to get there one day. I love you dearly. (sic)”

    Williams, 36, has spoken of her “outrageous” plans to defend her title at the Australian Open in January, less than five months after giving birth.

    Good friend Caroline Wozniacki recently said the new mother remained “focused” on her comeback.

    “I think she’s going to do a strong comeback but I think at the same time she’s enjoying being a mum as well and getting that whole experience. I think it’s very special,” Wozniacki said.

  • Happy Birthday Serena! Wish You Many More Happy Returns

    Happy Birthday Serena! Wish You Many More Happy Returns

    Happy birthday, Serena Williams!  The 23-time grand slam champion turns 36  today.

    There’s no question that Williams is a force to be reckoned with, both on and off the court.

    As a tennis player, there is no shortage of superlatives bestowed upon her—and older sister Venus’s—impressive wins through the years.

    Outside of the sports arena, Serena has shown her skills as an entrepreneur, heading up her own fashion line and aligning herself with endorsement deals.

    Plus, she has a new role as of this summer: mom. Williams welcomed her first child, a daughter named Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., with fiancé Alexis Ohanian.

    Last year, the superstar showed off her new HSN collection at New York Fashion Week, saying, “I’m not going to play tennis forever. It’s always good to know that if I want to go into the office, I can do that.”

    She may best be known for her athleticism, drive, and big personality, but her fans on Instagram know she’s also got strong #selfie game!

    There have been out pour of love for the Tennis star as her fans across the world have been sharing her best snap to celebrate Serena’s big day.

    Venus Williams during the 2017 US Open Women’s Singles semifinals match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Sept 6, 2017. PHOTO: AFPSerena Williams

    Meanwhile, Serena Williams may be out of action after giving birth to a baby girl earlier this month, but her family name will still feature in the season-ending eight-player BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore presented by SC Global next month.

    Her elder sister Venus, who is enjoying a stirring year of revival, has qualified for the elite tournament at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from Oct 22-29. It will be the 37-year-old’s fifth WTA Finals appearance, but her first since 2009, when she lost to Serena in the final in Doha.

    The former world No. 1 had previously lifted the Billie Jean King trophy in 2008, defeating Vera Zvonareva.

    Venus has enjoyed a fruitful year after reaching two Grand Slam finals at the Australian Open and at Wimbledon. She also made the US Open semi-finals earlier this month.

    Those stellar performances gave the American enough rankings points to qualify for the WTA Finals singles event this week along with three other players – Romania’s Simona Halep, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova.

    World No. 1 Garbine Muguruza of Spain had gone through two weeks ago, leaving only three singles spots to be filled in the coming weeks.

     “Each of these players has had incredible seasons, positioning themselves for the opportunity to compete at the year-end finale and hold the prestigious Billie Jean King Trophy,” said Steve Simon, WTA chief executive officer and chairman.
  • Serena Williams Ordered Stepmother to Vacate Family Home?

    Serena Williams Ordered Stepmother to Vacate Family Home?

    Lakeisha Juanita Williams, the stepmother of Serena Williams, has alleged the tennis star ordered her and the son from her marriage with Richard Williams to leave her home.

    On Wednesday, TMZ Sports reported Serena’s stepmother made this known in court.

    According to the sport report, Serena’s attorneys has “threatened to change the locks” on the house Juanita shares with Williams’ father if the stepmom didn’t vacate the property.

    Lakeisha is however seeking a court ruling to sell the home because she needs money following the couple’s divorce filing in June.

    Williams’ stepmom also cited “health issues” for the 75-year-old Louisiana native and said his death could lead to an extended legal battle over his estate, per TMZ Sports.

    Lakeisha said in the filing that although she’s lived in the home with Richard, it’s owned by Serena.

    Neither Williams nor her legal team has released a statement about the emergency court motion.

    The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has been away from competition since winning the Australian Open in January while pregnant with her first child.

    Nicholas Hautman and Marc Lupo of US Weekly noted Williams gave birth to a baby girl in Florida last Friday.

    No further information about the pending court case was immediately released.

  • Venus: Too ‘speechless’ being an aunt

    Venus: Too ‘speechless’ being an aunt

    Shortly after she won her third-round match against Greece’s Maria Sakkari at the US Open…Venus Williams was asked about how she felt being an aunt to Serena’s new born baby.

    Apparently thrilled by her victory in the match Venus only manage to say: “I’m super excited. Words can’t describe.”

    Serena welcomed her daughter – whom she has with her fiancé Alexis Ohanian – into the world on Friday, and her older sister and fellow tennis star Venus, 37, was more than a delight.

    Venus had claimed she wouldn’t be answering questions about her sister’s start to parenthood, but did admit the pair “always talk”.

    She said: “We always talk. We always talk, so she’s always encouraging me. Yeah, from every step of the way, every match, always.”

    Her sister reportedly gave birth to a baby girl weighing in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

    Meanwhile, she previously revealed she is “looking forward” to motherhood.

    She said: “I am looking forward to becoming a mother and coming back to the courts already. I’m always thinking about what’s next: the next victory, the next trophy … I intend to keep exercising for as long as possible while pregnant.

    “I want the baby to be healthy and for that, you need a healthy life. Also, when I come back to tennis it’ll be better if I’ve kept as fit as possible all the way through the pregnancy rather than having to lose a lot of weight afterwards in order to get fit again. Eating healthily is a must, but being healthy is a lifestyle.”

    The sportswomen also previously revealed she thinks having a baby will make her a “real woman”.

    She shared: “I have so much respect for so many women [for giving birth]. I am about to be a real woman now, you know? It’s going to be something incredibly impressive to go through … I don’t think watching birthing videos helps. I actually think it makes it worse. Having a baby, nothing is guaranteed.”

  • Serena Williams welcomes baby girl

    Serena Williams welcomes baby girl

    Tennis legend Serena Williams, welcomed her first child, a baby girl, with fiancé and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, in Florida on Friday.

    According to New York Daily News; “Tennis star Serena Williams gives birth to a baby girl weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces. Mom and baby doing well.”

    “Obviously, I’m super excited,” Serena’s big sis, Venus Williams, told ESPN shortly before her match at the US Open on Friday afternoon. “Words can’t describe.”

    After the news broke, pal Beyoncé, who recently welcomed twins, offered up her well wishes to the pro athlete, posting on Instagram, “Congratulations Serena!”

    Prior to their daughter’s arrival, the couple insisted they didn’t know the sex, though Ohanian said he suspected it would be a girl — and Venus referred to the unborn child as “she” and “her.”

    Williams, 35, previously said that despite “not being a baby person,” giving birth would make her feel like a “real woman.”

  • Tennis Legend Banned for Racism Comments on Serena Williams

    Tennis Legend Banned for Racism Comments on Serena Williams

    The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has imposed a three-year ban on Ilie Nastase for comments made about Serena Williams’ unborn baby and his conduct during Romania’s Fed Cup match against Great Britain.

    Nastase was initially suspended while the ITF launched an investigation following racially insensitive remarks he made about 23-time grand slam singles champion Williams’ unborn child in April.

    The 71-year-old also hit the headlines for the wrong reasons in the same month when he was ejected from a Fed Cup tie in Constanta, having initially refused to leave the court.

    Nastase was given a second official warning as a result of his behaviour courtside in his role as Romania captain after Sorana Cirstea took a 2-1 lead in the second set of her rubber against Johanna Konta.

    The ITF has found him guilty of making abusive and threatening comments to members of the British team and match officials, as well as a member of the media.

    Nastase was also found guilty of making advances of a sexual nature towards GB captain Anne Keothavong during the tie in Romania.

    The ITF on Friday revealed that Nastase was in breach of five articles of its Fed Cup Welfare Policy and is banned from acting in any official capacity in an ITF team competition until the December 31, 2020.

    Two-time major singles champion Nastase is also unable to act in an official capacity in individual ITF competitions and on official ITF Tennis Circuits during that period.

    Nastase has been fined US$10,000 and will not be allowed entry to ITF competitions – which do not include grand slam tournaments – whatsoever until the end of next year.

    The Romanian Tennis Federation and Nastase have 21 days to appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal.