Here's Why Serena Williams' Dad Didn't Walk Her Down the Aisle
She understands, Meghan.
Serena Williams and Meghan Markle are rumored to be close friends, and it turns out they might have even more in common than they thought. Amid the drama with Meghan's family that has unfolded this week (note: her dad officially will not be at the wedding), Williams revealed that her father didn't walk her down the aisle, either.
Richard Williams—who was also Serena's tennis coach for years—had a suit ready for the big day, and decided one hour before that he couldn't do it. "He was in New Orleans, he had a suit, and I know he was really excited," the tennis champion says in a new documentary titled Being Serena via Vogue.
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)
A photo posted by on
"But then he wrote me and said: 'Serena, I don't want you to be mad at me, but I just can't walk you down the aisle. I'm not myself anymore. I'm just too nervous.'"
And instead of being upset, she pulled the ultimate champion move, and told him it was okay.
"If he doesn't want to be up there in front of a lot of people, I completely understand. Look, when we first came on the scene, there were a lot of people who didn't get him. I don't think a lot of them wanted to get him," Williams says.
"I don't think a lot of him could have anyway. Our family knows what we have. We just want each other to be happy. That's what matters. I don't think anything could ever change that."
Williams and her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, were married in November. Just two months before their wedding day, they welcomed a baby girl, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, after enduring a dramatic delivery.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams)
A photo posted by on
Though it seems Williams won't be Meghan's maid of honor, it's likely she received an invite to the wedding and (we're hoping!) will be there to support her friend on her special day.
RELATED STORY
RELATED STORY
I’m currently working at Dotdash Meredith as the Celeb & Entertainment E-Commerce Lead contributing affiliate content for People.com and InStyle.com. I’m basically like your personal shopper, from writing about that cozy loungewear set you didn’t know you needed to keeping tabs on the best sales and deals on the internet. I’m also a pro at finding affordable dupes for celebrity looks and I love to dig into the data to strategize content opportunities.
-
Nutritionist Gabriela Peacock Reveals How She's Helping "Dear Friend" Princess Beatrice During Her Second Pregnancy
"It's been truly wonderful to share this journey with someone so close."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Angelina Jolie Says Motherhood Keeps Her From Feeling Lonely
"My work is not everything. Being a parent is everything."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Princess Kate Stresses the "Importance of Love" During the "Most Difficult Times" in Emotional Christmas Letter
"Love is the light that can shine bright, even in our darkest times."
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Introduce the "Newest Member" of Their Family
"I'm crazy about her and excited to share life."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Garner Is Reportedly Ready to Cut Ties With Jennifer Lopez, Unless Their Kids Are Involved
"Her friends feel she shouldn't have allowed herself to get so involved."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Hailey Bieber Shares Her First Photo of Baby Son Jack Blues Since Giving Birth—See the Sweet Shot
So freaking cute.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Venus Williams Jokingly Reminds Us That She and Serena Aren't Twins
Nope, just sisters!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Pamela Anderson Says It's "Tough" Staying Single After Dating So Many "Bad Boys"
"I didn't go after any bad boys. Bad boys came after me!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Actors Who Are Nothing Like Their Most Iconic Characters
Talk about awards-worthy, transformative performances.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Question on Everyone's Lips: Did Beyoncé Skip the 2024 MTV VMAs?
It's been a few years since she last graced the carpet with her presence.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
Why Isn't Selena Gomez at the 2024 VMAs?
Her absence became even more noticeable after her bestie Taylor Swift showed up.
By Hanna Lustig Published