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5 Surprising Truths About Serena Williams And Her Jehovah’s Witness Faith

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The question of whether Serena Williams is a Jehovah's Witness has moved from speculation to fact, solidified by a major personal commitment she made following her retirement from professional tennis. As of late 2023 and into the current date of December 20, 2025, the tennis legend is officially a baptized member of the faith, marking a monumental moment in her life that has clarified her religious standing for fans worldwide. While she was raised in the faith for decades, her decision to undergo baptism signifies a renewed and deepened dedication to the principles and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses, influencing everything from her family life to her post-career endeavors.

This article dives deep into the history of her faith, the specific beliefs that shape her public and private life, and the recent developments that confirm her status, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most private aspects of the world's greatest athlete.

Serena Williams: A Brief Biography and Professional Profile

Serena Jameka Williams is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, revolutionizing women's tennis with her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play. Her career achievements are unparalleled, establishing her as a global icon.

  • Full Name: Serena Jameka Williams
  • Born: September 26, 1981, in Saginaw, Michigan, U.S.
  • Parents: Richard Williams and Oracene Price
  • Sister: Venus Williams (also a professional tennis player)
  • Spouse: Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit)
  • Children: Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. and Adira River Ohanian
  • Grand Slam Singles Titles: 23 (an Open Era record)
  • Total Grand Slam Titles: 39 (23 Singles, 14 Women's Doubles, 2 Mixed Doubles)
  • Olympic Medals: 4 Gold Medals (1 Singles, 3 Doubles)
  • World No. 1 Ranking: Held the No. 1 ranking for 319 weeks, including a joint-record 186 consecutive weeks.
  • Retirement: Announced her "evolution" away from tennis in August 2022.

Her dominance on the court spanned over two decades, but her life off the court, particularly her spiritual journey, has often been a subject of intense public curiosity and media discussion.

Truth 1: The Recent Baptism Confirmed Her Long-Term Commitment

For decades, the question of Serena Williams’ religious status was ambiguous. She and her sister, Venus Williams, were raised in the faith by their mother, Oracene Price, who converted to the religion in the early 1980s. However, being "raised a Witness" is distinct from being a "baptized Witness."

The latest and most definitive update is that Serena Williams was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in the summer of 2023, shortly after her retirement. This ceremony was held at a circuit assembly in Florida, USA. Baptism is a public declaration of faith and a commitment to live according to the Bible's standards as understood by the Watchtower Society, the legal entity used by Jehovah’s Witnesses.

This commitment is significant because, as an unbaptized publisher, she was considered a student of the faith. Her baptism elevates her status within the congregation and requires a deeper adherence to religious doctrine.

Truth 2: Her Faith Explains Why She Doesn’t Celebrate Birthdays or Holidays

One of the most public-facing aspects of Williams' faith is her decision to abstain from celebrating certain holidays and birthdays. This is a core belief of Jehovah's Witnesses, who generally do not celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Easter, or birthdays because they believe these celebrations have pagan origins or are not sanctioned by the Bible.

Williams has openly discussed this, particularly concerning her daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. She has stated that they do not celebrate Olympia's birthday due to their religious beliefs. This decision often sparks debate and curiosity among fans, but for Williams, it is a non-negotiable part of her spiritual conviction.

Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, who is not a Jehovah's Witness, has publicly supported her and their family’s decision to respect her faith's practices.

Truth 3: Competitive Sports and Her Career Created a Lifelong Conflict

The extreme competitive nature of professional tennis, where the goal is to dominate and defeat an opponent, often stands in contrast to the principles of humility and non-competitiveness encouraged by the Jehovah's Witness faith.

While the religion does not strictly prohibit participation in professional athletics, the emphasis on winning, self-glorification, and the "spirit of the world" can create a conflict for devout members. Throughout her career, Serena Williams often navigated this complex territory:

  • She frequently thanked "Jehovah God" in her post-match interviews, acknowledging a higher power for her success.
  • She has spoken about reconnecting with her faith during challenging times in her career, using it as a source of strength and guidance.
  • Her decision to retire, or "evolve," has allowed her to focus more intently on her faith, culminating in her recent baptism and a shift in priorities from the tennis court to spiritual pursuits.

Truth 4: The Williams Sisters Share the Same Spiritual Foundation

Serena’s sister, Venus Williams, also shares the same spiritual foundation, having been raised as a Jehovah’s Witness alongside her. Both sisters have often spoken about their faith, reinforcing the fact that their mother, Oracene Price, instilled these values in all her children from a young age.

The shared belief system is a powerful, unifying force within the Williams family. It provides a common moral and ethical framework that transcends their individual careers and personal lives. While Serena has taken the step of baptism, Venus remains a practicing member of the faith, demonstrating the deep roots of the Watchtower teachings in their upbringing.

Truth 5: Her Post-Retirement Life is Focused on "Slaying and Praying"

Since stepping away from the grueling schedule of the WTA Tour, Williams has been able to dedicate more time to her religious life. She has publicly reflected on her faith, using phrases like "I Slay and Pray" to describe her balanced approach to life, blending her powerful, competitive spirit with her deep spiritual devotion.

Her commitment to her faith now plays a central role in her everyday life, including how she raises her children. This renewed focus on spiritual matters is a common path for Jehovah's Witnesses who retire or step back from secular careers that demanded a significant amount of time and attention. Her "evolution" is not just a career change; it is a spiritual re-prioritization, placing the principles of the Bible and the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses at the forefront of her new chapter.

The definitive answer to the question, "Is Serena Williams a Jehovah's Witness?" is a resounding yes, confirmed by her baptism and her public statements on her family life. The journey from being raised in the faith to making a formal, public commitment after her legendary career is a testament to the enduring influence of her spiritual beliefs.

is serena williams a jehovah's witnesses
is serena williams a jehovah's witnesses

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