Serena Williams' Husband Alexis Ohanian Aces Role as Her "Personal Umbrella Holder"

Serena Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian spoke out after a TV commentator did not identify him by name but instead noted he was holding the tennis star’s umbrella at the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony.

By CORINNE HELLER JUL 28, 2024 12:38 AMTAGS

Here’s a look at all the celebs who attended the 2024 Paris opening

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Watch: 2024 Olympics: See All the Celebs at the Opening Ceremony

Serena Williams‘ husband Alexis Ohanian got served with a new title at the 2024 Paris Olympics—and his response to it is a grand slam.

During Eurosport‘s live TV coverage of the Opening Ceremony July 26, co-host Laura Woods commented that the tennis star arrived with an “umbrella holder,” referring to her spouse, who held one up for his wife to shield her from the rain as they walked the red carpet with their daughter Olympia, 6.

“Olympia. Serena. Serena’s Personal Umbrella Holder,” the Reddit co-founder later captioned an Instagram pic of himself with his wife and daughter at the Opening Ceremony, adding a laughing face emoji. “Let the games begin!”

Laura had made her comment after complimenting Serena’s style—a red, ruched midi bodycon dress paired with brown pointed pumps.

“She looks absolutely incredible,” the TV presenter said. “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.”

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2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony

On July 27, Alexis, 41, shared a photo of himself holding the umbrella on the Opening Ceremony red carpet while walking beside Olympia, writing on X, “I’m also Olympia’s personal umbrella holder.”

And the jokes kept coming.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

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One user wrote, “You look like a secret service agent.” Alexis replied, “That is my mindset in public with these girls.”

Another person joked to the businessman, who also shares with Serena daughter Adira, 11 months, “You do realise this is forever, right?” to which the tech entrepreneur responded, “Yes.”

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Serena, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, played a special part in the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics.

She, fellow tennis star Rafael Nadal, American track and field icon Carl Lewis and legendary Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci, all rode a boat together on the River Seine to help bring the Olympic torch to its destination—a cauldron by the Louvre. The container was later lit and suspected on a hot-air balloon.

While no one was spotted on umbrella duty at that time, although Serena appeared unbothered by the rain.

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“We’re completely soaked,” the 42-year-old said in a selfie video recorded on the boat and shared on Instagram. “Super excited I decided not to wear the white dress. But it’s fun! I’ll never forget this!”

Read on to see more celebs at the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony…

Zac Efron, 2024 Olympics — Zac EfronThe actor had a front-row view to the parade along the Seine during the Opening Ceremony.

Celine Dion, Opening Ceremony, 2024 Olympics — Céline DionThe musician made her concert comeback at the Opening Ceremony, performing “Hymne A L’Amour” at the Eiffel Tower.

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Serena Williams, Rafael Nadal, Carl Lewis, Nadia Comaneci, 2024 Olympics, Opening Ceremony — Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Carl Lewis & Nadia ComaneciThe iconic athletes helped carry the Olympic torch as they made their way down the River Seine during the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening ceremony.

Hoda Kotb, Tom Cruise — Hoda Kotb & Tom Cruise”Do you know when you dream of meeting Tom Cruise,” Hoda captioned the photo from the Opening Ceremony, “and then it finally happens.”

John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Luna, Miles, 2024 Paris Olympics, star sightings — John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Luna & MilesAll of you will love this adorable photo of the family of four.

Kelly Clarkson, 2024 Olympics, Opening Ceremony, Star Sightings — Kelly ClarksonWe can’t breakaway from the singer’s dazzling look for the Olympics.

Alan Cumming, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Alan CummingYes, your instinct is correct: The *Traitors* host was seen flashing a peace sign while at an event prior to the Olympics.

Jeremy Allen White, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Jeremy Allen WhiteThe *Bear* star heated up the Prelude to the Olympics event with a suave look.

Taika Waititi, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Taika WaititiThe filmmaker showed up in smooth fashion while out in Paris.

Yvonne Orji, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Yvonne OrjiThe actress secured her spot on the red carpet while out at a fashion-forward event.

Lashana Lynch, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Lashana LynchHer name is Lashana. Lashana Lynch: The No Time to Die star made an apppearance worth dying for.

Angel Reese, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Angel ReeseThe WNBA star made a winning appearance while out in the City of Lights.

Christian Louboutin, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Christian LouboutinThe fashion designer made sure to stun in his signature red.

Judd Apatow, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Judd ApatowThe Knocked Up director was front and center for a Parisian party.

Spike Lee, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Spike LeeThe Inside Man director did the right thing by stepping out for a night in Paris.

Mick Jagger, Melanie Hamrick, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — Mick Jagger & Melanie HamrickThe couple flashed a few grins while posing together at a party.

John Mulaney, 2024 Olympics Star Sightings, Prelude to the Olympics — John MulaneyThe comedian was all smiles while sporting a stylish two-piece brown suit.

Lindsey Vonn, 2024 Olympics, Opening Ceremony, Star Sightings — Lindsey VonnThe Olympian’s outfit for her daytime outing earns her 10s across the board.

Alex Cooper, 2024 Olympics, Opening Ceremony, Star Sightings — Alex CooperCall her French: The podcaster stunned in a brown full-length dress while out in Paris.

Prince Albert II of Monaco, Princess Charlene of Monaco, 2024 Olympics, Opening Ceremony, Star Sightings — Prince Albert II of Monaco & Princess Charlene of MonacoThe couple made a royally stylish appearance ahead of the 2024 Paris Games.

Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, 2024 Paris Olympics, star sightings — Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo The musical duo looked *Wicked*ly wonderful in green and pink outfits as an homage to their characters—Elphaba and Glinda—in the upcoming musical adaptation.

Pharrell Williams, 2024 Paris Olympics, star sightings — Pharrell Williams The music mogul participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay on July 26.

Emma Chamberlain, 2024 Paris Olympics, star sightings — Emma ChamberlainThe *Anything Goes* podcast host arrived at the red carpet ahead of the opening ceremony July 26 shortly after sharing an Olympics 2024 themed ad for Chamberlain Coffee on Instagram.

Flavor Flav, 2024 Paris Olympics, star sightings — Flavor FlavThe Public Enemy alum took the *time* to speak at the Team USA Water Polo press conference.

Celine Dion, Paris, 2024 Olympics — Céline DionThe singer arrived in Paris, France ahead of her performance at the July 26 Opening Ceremony.

Lady Gaga, 2024 Paris Olympics, star sightings — Lady GagaShe was born this way—sending a kiss to fans while prepping for her Opening Ceremony performance.

Sydney SweeneyThe *Euphoria* actress fueled up before the Games, showing off her Eiffel Tower view on Instagram July 25.

2024 Paris Olympics, Salma Hayek, star sightings — Salma HayekThe *Frida* actress helped kick off the festivities at the Paris Olympics torch relay in Versailles.

2024 Paris Olympics, Steve Toussaint, star sightings — Steve ToussaintThe *House of the Dragon* actor participated in the Paris Olympics torch relay by carrying the flame in Versailles, France, on July 23.

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View More Photos From 2024 Paris Olympics: Star SightingsWatch the 2024 Paris Olympics daily on NBC and Peacock until the summer games end with the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 11, at 7 p.m. ET/PT.