Serena Williams' husband responds to being called 'umbrella holder' at Olympics ceremony

The husband of Serena Williams saw the funny side to being labelled her “umbrella holder” as confusion reigned during the opening ceremony at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The tennis icon, who won four gold medals at the summer Games, was part of the parade of nations last night as inclement weather tainted the festivities. 

Williams, 42, also briefly held the Olympic torch as she sailed on a boat down the River Seine, before it was handed to former rival Amelie Mauresmo.

But it was her walk on the red carpet in front of the Eiffel Tower that got viewers talking following an amusing error on Eurosport.

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Williams was flanked by husband Alexis Ohanian and eldest daughter Olympia as the rain teemed down and her partner was nothing if not supportive. He held an umbrella over the 23-time Grand Slam champion in a bid to stop her from getting drenched.

“She looks absolutely incredible,” said one commentator. “She's got someone just behind us holding an umbrella. Those are the levels you aspire to. To have an actual umbrella holder behind you.”

Ohanian is a celebrity in his own right, having co-founded Reddit. The business tycoon, a self-made millionaire, married Williams in 2017 and the couple have two children after welcoming a second daughter, Adira River, into the world last August.

And the 41-year-old duly to took to Instagram to respond. He posted a picture of the three family members at the ceremony, taken before the rain came down, and referenced his apparent new job.

“Olympia. Serena. Serena's Personal Umbrella Holder,” he joked, adding a laughter emoji for good measure. “Let the games begin! I'll be watching a lot of T&F to soak up @athlos inspiration.”

Athlos, a female only track and field event, takes place in New York in September. Ohanian has invested heavily in the event, which will offer huge sums of money to the athletes involved.

Williams, who won Olympic doubles’ titles in Sydney, Beijing and London as well as individual gold in the latter, admitted being involved had played on her emotions. “I don't know if it's fun or if I'm a little jealous,” she told NBC afterwards.

But she lauded the choice of tennis player Coco Gauff to be the flag bearer for Team USA, adding: “It's amazing. Isn't that great? I'm so excited to see her tonight. I'm just so happy for her. Oh god, I love it.”