Serena Williams‘ superstar tennis status cannot protect her from the messiness of a toddler.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner has learned that in the year she’s raised her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. On Instagram Monday, Williams shared how her Nike outfit has transformed thanks to her baby girl.
“I’m starting my second workout, I’m wearing my outfit,” she says in the Dec. 10 clip. “This isn’t usually how I treat my Nike gear but I have stains literally everywhere. The life of a mom.”
While it’s not the prettiest image of mom life, Williams has never been shy about disclosing even more difficult parts about parenting, either.
Back in October, Williams posted on Instagram about how Olympia couldn’t calm down on a flight.
“#thismama is tired. Flying with the little one is really a test,” Williams candidly disclosed. “#thismama really needs tips. There is nothing I do that seems to work. I don’t want her to use a ipad. Any suggestions? #thismama.”
Later that same month, she also admitted that regardless of being known as one of the best athletes in the world, she doesn’t necessarily feel the same as a mother.
“I always have these insecurities that I’m not good enough as a mom,” Williams disclosed at the Pennsylvania Conference for Women. “We all go through these different emotions that we all don’t feel comfortable talking about. But I think we should.”
Yet when Williams has shared the less glamorous mommy moments, she’s also received droves of support.
When she lamented not being able to see her daughter take her first steps over the summer while training for Wimbledon, lots of working moms stepped into Williams’ Instagram comments to uplift the star.
“It doesn’t count until mommy sees it. Nothing counts until mommy sees it.”
“I missed a bunch of firsts while I was at work. I hear ya, mama. It’s not easy. But our girls see us out there grinding + living our dreams and that’s got to mean something. Good luck in London — my daughter and I are both rooting for you! ❤”
“You didn’t miss it, mommy. You facilitated it. Your child still lives right there. Make those happy tears & I mean it.”
“I took my 1st child all the way to Israel on a trade mission. During a meeting, I heard cheering out in the waiting area … Yup, staff and husband and assorted strangers saw her 1st steps. It all turns out okay. #workingmomsrock.”
