Serena Williams: Health, Kids, Net Worth & Comparisons

Two decades at the top of tennis brought Serena Williams fame and fortune. Now, her health battles, family milestones, and financial empire keep her in the spotlight. This article covers her pulmonary embolism diagnosis, her two daughters Olympia and Adira, her $340 million net worth, and how she compares to her husband Alexis Ohanian and sister Venus Williams.

Grand Slam singles titles: 23 ·
Career prize money: $94.5 million+ ·
Net worth (estimated): $340 million (2024) ·
Number of children: 2 ·
Age: 43 (born September 26, 1981) ·
Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)

Eight facts define Serena Williams’s biography at a glance:

What did Serena Williams get diagnosed with?

Serena Williams and her experience with pulmonary embolisms

In 2011, Serena Williams was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism — a condition in which one or more arteries in the lungs become blocked by a blood clot. She also suffered a hematoma and multiple blood clots that required emergency treatment. Yahoo News reported that Williams said she had known for years she was at high risk for blood clots. The health scare came after she had a pulmonary embolism following the birth of her daughter Olympia in 2017, as detailed in an essay for Today.

The pattern: two distinct pulmonary embolism episodes, one in 2011 and another postpartum in 2017, both requiring serious medical intervention.

Does Serena Williams have a biological child?

All about Serena Williams’ 2 children, Olympia and Adira

• Yes, Serena Williams has two biological daughters with her husband Alexis Ohanian. (People)
• Her first child, Olympia Ohanian, was born on September 1, 2017 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida. (People)
• Her second child, Adira River Ohanian, was born on August 15, 2023. (People)
• Olympia made headlines at age 2½ when she became a co-owner of Angel City Football Club, and later also became a co-owner of the Los Angeles Golf Club. (People)

The takeaway: Williams’s children are already celebrities in their own right, with Olympia’s ownership stakes hinting at a future in business.

Who is richer, Serena or her husband?

Serena Williams vs Alexis Ohanian net worth: who is richer?

According to CNBC, Serena Williams’s estimated net worth is $340 million, while Alexis Ohanian’s net worth is estimated at $70 million as of 2019. Business Insider gives similar figures and reports their combined net worth at $410 million.

Three numbers, one clear winner:

The verdict: Serena Williams is significantly wealthier than her husband, largely from her own tennis earnings and endorsements.

For similar profiles of athlete finances, see our article on Jason Kelce Net Worth 2026: Family, Retirement & More.

Who is richer, Venus or Serena?

Serena Williams vs Venus Williams net worth comparison

Serena Williams’s net worth is estimated at $340 million, while Venus Williams’s net worth is estimated at $95 million. (Business Insider)

Two sisters, two fortunes:

The gap reflects Serena’s longer period of dominance and higher endorsement earnings. Both, however, are among the richest tennis players ever.

Who is the richest lady tennis player?

Jessica Pegula: Everything to know about the world’s richest tennis player

Jessica Pegula is often cited as the richest female tennis player due to her family’s business empire — her father Terry Pegula owns the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Her exact net worth is hard to pin down because it hinges on family business valuations. Serena Williams, by contrast, is the wealthiest self-made female tennis player, having earned her fortune through prize money and endorsements. (Wikipedia)

The distinction matters: inherited wealth vs. earned wealth shapes how we rank “richest” in tennis.

The implication: Serena Williams’s wealth is self-made, which adds a layer of significance to her financial success.

Timeline

• September 26, 1981: Serena Williams is born in Saginaw, Michigan.
• 1999: Wins first Grand Slam singles title at the US Open.
• 2011: Diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism and hematoma; undergoes emergency surgery.
• 2017-09-01: Wins Australian Open while pregnant; marries Alexis Ohanian on November 16; daughter Olympia born.
• 2023-08-15: Gives birth to second daughter, Adira. Retires from professional tennis.

Clarity

Quotes

“I’m still a champion, just at different things.”

Serena Williams

“She’s superhuman.”

Alexis Ohanian, on Serena’s return after childbirth

For investors and fans watching Williams’s post-tennis career, the shift from athlete to businesswoman is already proving she’s as formidable off the court as on it.

For another celebrity’s health and wealth profile, read about Christina Haack: Health, Relationships, Net Worth & Divorce.

Frequently asked questions