Serena Williams’ Hubby Alexis Ohanian Aces “Umbrella Holder” Role

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.”

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

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.

“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…

Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images

Tom Cruise

The actor took pics with fans while watching the women’s gymnastics qualifiers.

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Lady Gaga

The singer praised Simone Biles on Instagram over her balance beam routine.

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Anna Wintour & Baz Luhrmann

The Vogue editor-in-chief and director sat together as they watched the women’s gymnastics qualifiers.

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Snoop Dogg

The rapper was all smiles at the women’s gymnastics qualifiers.

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Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, Luna, Miles & Nick Jonas

The couple appeared with their two eldest kids at the gymnastics qualifiers, which they also watched with the Jonas Brothers singer.

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Tom Cruise

The actor cheered on Team USA at the 4x100m freestyle relay during day one of the swimming event.

Instagram

Zac Efron

The actor had a front-row view to the parade along the Seine during the Opening Ceremony. 

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Zac Efron

The High School Musical alum also checked out Van Gogh’s self-portrait at Musée d’Orsay alongside pal Caleb Davidge and Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky during his trip to Paris.

Screengrab by IOC via Getty Images

Céline Dion

The musician made her concert comeback at the Opening Ceremony, performing “Hymne A L’Amour” at the Eiffel Tower.

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Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams, Carl Lewis & Nadia Comaneci

The iconic athletes helped carry the Olympic torch as they made their way down the River Seine during the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening ceremony.

Instagram

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.” 

JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images

John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Luna & Miles

All of you will love this adorable photo of the family of four.

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Kelly Clarkson

We can’t breakaway from the singer’s dazzling look for the Olympics.

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Alan Cumming

Yes, your instinct is correct: The Traitors host was seen flashing a peace sign while at an event prior to the Olympics.

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Jeremy Allen White

The Bear star heated up the Prelude to the Olympics event with a suave look.

Tom Nicholson

Taika Waititi

The filmmaker showed up in smooth fashion while out in Paris.

Tom Nicholson

Yvonne Orji

The actress secured her spot on the red carpet while out at a fashion-forward event.

Tom Nicholson

Lashana Lynch

Her name is Lashana. Lashana Lynch: The No Time to Die star made an apppearance worth dying for.

Tom Nicholson

Angel Reese

The WNBA star made a winning appearance while out in the City of Lights.

Tom Nicholson

Christian Louboutin

The fashion designer made sure to stun in his signature red.

Tom Nicholson

Judd Apatow

The Knocked Up director was front and center for a Parisian party.

Tom Nicholson

Spike Lee

The Inside Man director did the right thing by stepping out for a night in Paris.

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Mick Jagger & Melanie Hamrick

The couple flashed a few grins while posing together at a party.

Tom Nicholson

John Mulaney

The comedian was all smiles while sporting a stylish two-piece brown suit.

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Lindsey Vonn

The Olympian’s outfit for her daytime outing earns her 10s across the board.

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Alex Cooper

Call her French: The podcaster stunned in a brown full-length dress while out in Paris.

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Prince Albert II of Monaco & Princess Charlene of Monaco

The couple made a royally stylish appearance ahead of the 2024 Paris Games.

Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP via Getty Images

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo 

The musical duo looked Wickedly wonderful in green and pink outfits as an homage to their characters—Elphaba and Glinda—in the upcoming musical adaptation. 

Stephane De Sakutin – Pool/Getty Images

Pharrell Williams 

The music mogul participated in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games Torch Relay on July 26. 

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Emma Chamberlain

The 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. 

Watch 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.