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How Serena Williams reacted to Michelle Obama watching her play at the 2012 London Olympics

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 1:06 PM ET

Serena Williams certainly didn’t limit her stunning success to Grand Slams, where she thrived in both singles and doubles.

Williams claimed 23 Grand Slam singles titles during her phenomenal career, along with 14 doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles.

But the legendary American also emerged victorious at the Olympics, with her London 2012 success particularly impressive.

She went all the way in the English capital, defeating rival Maria Sharapova 6-0, 6-1 in the gold medal match.

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Serena Williams loved having ‘cool’ Michelle Obama watch her at the London 2012 Olympics

Intriguingly, however, there was a very high-profile guest in attendance for Williams’ first match of the tournament.

When asked if she knew Michelle Obama would be watching her clash with Jelena Jankovic, and how she felt seeing her in the stands, Williams replied: “Yes, I did know Michelle would be here.

“And, you know, they asked me did I mind if she sat in the family box. I was like, of course not. Please, it would be my honor. I mean, I love Michelle. So it was good.

“Yeah, I gave her a thumbs up just to acknowledge that I knew she was here. Obviously it was impossible not to see her, but it was cool.”

And when asked if she knew her given she continuously referred to her as “Michelle”, Williams asked: “Am I being rude? Mrs. Obama?

“She’s so cool. I met her several, several times. I feel comfortable with saying ‘Michelle.’ And I think she wants the people to feel that way as well.

“That’s what is so great about that whole family, you can feel comfortable. They’ll go to a basketball game or to the tennis. It’s just unheard of, for me.”

How Serena Williams felt about being an Olympian

Williams treated Obama to a relatively straightforward win over Jankovic, before knocking out Urszula Radwanska in the next round.

She then battled past Vera Zvonareva, Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka before defeating Sharapova.

Sharing what it meant to be an Olympian rather than a tennis player, Williams noted: “It’s pretty cool being an Olympian.

“It’s a great feeling. For me, being a tennis player is my dream. But being an Olympian is something I never dreamed up.

“Growing up, you see people like Michael Johnson, Dominique Dawes, people that do so great at the Olympics. You know, tennis isn’t the premier Olympic sport, you know. It’s cool to be a part of such great athletes.”