After stepping away from the courts, Serena Williams has kept herself busy with her different business ventures and motherhood duties. In fact, while making the announcement of her retirement, Williams said she wants to focus more on her family. Talking about spending time with her two kids, Olympia and Adira, she once mentioned, “I am obsessed with my children. I spend all day with them, I have my schedule or my work schedule, like my whole life is like, ok, being with Olympia, being with Adira.” However, other than her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two kids, there is another member of the family who often steals the limelight from all of them.

That’s Christopher Chip Rafael Nadal. Serena Williams’ beloved Yorkshire Terrier even has its own IG account with over 13,000 followers! But what’s the secret behind Williams’ dog’s name, though?

In 2022, during an interview, Williams spoke about her admiration for Rafael Nadal. “He’s done a lot in 2022. He’s been busy. I’ve always been a Rafa fan. I named my dog after him. He’s so cute. I miss the little guy. So obviously, I’m always rooting for Rafa. So yes, he’s been really inspiring in everything that he’s done this year, and he has a lot more to do.”

Recently, Serena Williams posted a few pictures in a stunning red outfit, posing alongside Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, at a restaurant situated on the cliff. Shortly after that, she posted an update on her X handle, saying, “Nice to come home tonight to just my dog Chip. I love my fam, but we all need a break. They will wake me in the morning, so I better enjoy this quick 6 hrs of solo time!”

Serena Williams has always been a big dog lover. The Williams family got their first furry friend in 1999. The puppy was named Jackie Pete (Jack Russell Terrier) after the American tennis legend, Pete Sampras. Then, following that, in 2004, she brought home another one named Lauerlei before introducing the superstar, Christopher ‘Chip’ Rafael Nadal, to the family a little later.

There have been several other instances where we’ve seen Serena Williams portraying her love for her paw-friends.

In 2015, when Jackie passed away, she described the pet as a “special friend“ and “my angel“ and wrote a heartfelt note saying. “We will never forget u. Thank you for the kindness and joy you brought us.”

Jackie was with her ever since she was 17, just two weeks before she clinched her maiden Grand Slam title at the 1999 US Open. After losing one of her closest friends, she told her fans, “I got out of the shower this afternoon and she was not there to lick my leg as she always did everyday to remind me how much she loved me. Give your dog, cat, pet a big hug.“

But is it the same with her elder sister, Venus Williams, too?

Just like Serena Williams, Venus is also a big dog lover

After losing Jackie in 2015, Serena Williams faced major heartbreak in August 2022 when her other pet dog, Lauerlei Linkogle Williams, passed away. She has been there with the family since 2004. While sharing their memories, Williams revealed that Lauerlei loved chicken and acrobatics. She also shared that although Lauerlei was the smallest, she was a tough little pup. 

And just like her sister, Venus Williams is also a big dog lover. She often shares pictures with her pet dog, Harry, on her social media accounts. In 2023, she partnered with Purina Pro Plan for the two-month challenge to inspire pet parents to provide their dogs with nutritious food and plenty of active, quality time. During that event, she revealed, “I’m a passionate pet owner, and my dog is my life. He is the focus of my life. I love the little guy.“

According to Venus Williams, bringing Harry home was the best decision she has ever made in her life.

Now, talking about Christopher Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams brought her during the 2022 US Open. Last year, while speaking about this little pup, she joked that her dog had become a bit shady due to her influence. Williams even shared an IG post highlighting how dogs develop similar personality traits to their owners.

Sounds fun and intriguing, right? But as it looks like the Williams sisters have more than one thing in common.