Serena Williamsis savoring every moment she has with her daughterOlympia.
The tennis icon, 41, who has partnered with the Lincoln Motor Company on a new car fragrance, appeared on the latest episode ofthe PEOPLE Every Day podcast, and opened up about her more relaxed daily schedule after announcing in August thatshe was stepping away from the game.
Williams told host Janine Rubenstein that her 5-year-old, whom she shares with husbandAlexis Ohanian, is “very aware” that her mom is no longer committed to an intense training schedule and is trying to make the most of Williams' newfound free time.
“She wants to make sure thatI’maware that I should have time on my hands and I need to spend more time with her,” the 23-time Grand Slam champion said, laughing. “I’m always like, ‘Olympia, I’m not working now.’ She’s like, ‘Yeah, you don’t play tennis!’ She’s like, ‘Yes!’ And I don’t really quite know how to feel about that!”
She continued, “It’s funny … but it’s good because little kids really want to be with their parents. And I just feel fortunate that she wants to be with me. That’s kind of how I look at it, [because] she could feel a different way, and I’m glad she doesn’t.”
As Williams embarks on her journey post-tennis, she’s also enjoying the new experience of interacting with her kindergartner in a different way.
Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian and daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian.Alexis Ohanian Instagram
Williams has often shared about her close relationship with her daughter, who she often features on her Instagram andwho cheered her on from the stands at the US Openthis summer.
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“She’s my little buddy,” Williams said at a panel in August, before the US Open. “We do everything together. We go on dates and it’s so cool because she likes everything I do — except for tennis! She’s really fun. I see a lot of my personality in her and it’s just a great time to have her around now to see what I do on a daily.”
The proud mom revealed onJimmy Kimmel Livelast year that Olympia was learning to play the piano.
“She likes tennis, but I don’t know. Honestly, she likesplaying piano,” Williams said. “When she was in my belly, I played a lot of piano music.”
Around the same time, the mom posted an adorableTikTokof Olympia guiding her on the keys, and even singing a few notes.
“Olympia is a boss,” she captioned the video.
source: people.com
