Serena Williams’ millionaire husband gets confused for ‘umbrella holder’ at Olympic opening ceremony

Viewers could not believe a blunder on Saturday morning, as one commentator showed they had no idea who was with Serena Williams.

Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, was confused for an “umbrella holder”.

Queue “Umbrella” by Rihanna.

Serena Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, was confused for an “umbrella holder” on Saturday morning (AEST) during the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony by one European Olympics commentator.

Williams, 42, and the Reddit co-founder decided to partake in the French festivities — despite the tennis icon not competing — and when she took to the red carpet, a downfall of rain ensued.

Ohanian proceeded to be a gentleman by holding an umbrella over his wife’s head, and the gesture caught the eyes of a ceremony broadcaster.

“She looks absolutely incredible,” a Eurosport commentator said. “She’s got someone just behind us holding an umbrella.”

“Those are the levels you aspire to,” they continued. “To have an actual umbrella holder behind you.”

TV commentator: “Serena Williams even has her own personal umbrella holder”

FYI… the ‘umbrella holder’ ’is Alexis Ohanian, her husband.

He’s one of the founders of Reddit. 💀 pic.twitter.com/eq4BhYCzle

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 26, 2024

☠️

Commentator: “it’s great that Serena Williams even has her own personal umbrella holder”

That ‘umbrella holder’ is her HUSBAND and the co-founder of Reddit, Alexis Ohanian 😭😂 pic.twitter.com/1PW6ZiaxHU

— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) July 26, 2024

As the ceremony progressed, the Williams family — including their 6-year-old daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. — appeared in another interview with Kit Hoover of “Access Hollywood.”

Williams was asked about her husband, who had previously been spotted taking photos of the tennis superstar so that she could post about her experience on social media.

“The greatest investor ever, the greatest Instagram husband ever, greatest husband ever,” Williams said.

Interestingly, during the interview, Ohanian, who, according to Forbes in 2019, has estimated net worth of A$106 million, addressed how he is unknown to many for the work he does.

“More people know me for the pancakes I do than for creating Reddit, and you know what, I’m OK with that,” Ohanian said.

Serena Williams attends with husband Alexis Ohanian the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

(From L) US former athlete Carl Lewis, Spain's tennis player Rafael Nadal, Former Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci and US tennis player Serena Williams deliver the Olympics torch. (Photo by Dimitar DILKOFF / AFP)

On the other hand, Williams blazed to success throughout her career — including earning four Olympic gold medals.

She captured one in women’s singles at London 2012 and three in women’s doubles with her sister Venus Williams.

To honour her fiery career, the Williams fittingly got to carry the Olympic flame during the torch relay with Rafael Nadal.

Together, they produced 45 grand slams and had the privilege of boating away from the Eiffel Tower with a fiercely lit flame.

- This article first appeared in the New York Post and was republished with permission

Originally published as Serena Williams’ millionaire husband gets confused for ‘umbrella holder’ at Olympic opening ceremony