"I've never dated anybody... I believe in no sex before marriage" - When Serena Williams opened up about following 'Bible standards' for dating

Serena Williams once opened up about how her Christian faith influenced her approach to dating. The American disclosed that she had never dated anybody, believing that while gaining experience was beneficial, it was important not to get "wild or crazy."

Venus and Serena Williams were raised as Jehovah's Witnesses, a denomination of Christianity, with the duo adhering to the religion's doctrines of not celebrating birthdays or holidays like Christmas and Easter. Serena has also spoken about how she found "peace and security through God," which allowed her to deal with the racism she was subjected to.

In 2001, Venus Williams shed light on how they avoided getting involved with people who didn't share their religious beliefs. She also disclosed that she was contemplating participating in door-to-door preaching.

"We believe in good association that is association with fellow Jehovah's Witnesses, not becoming too involved with people that don't have the same beliefs and same values that we do. We go to meetings three times a week. They encourage us. I don't know if I can go house-to-house [evangelising]. But I'm thinking about that," she said, as quoted by The Guardian.

Serena Williams elaborated on their faith in a 2005 interview with the Telegraph, explaining that they dated only with the intention of marriage. The American emphasized that she refused to waste her time with someone she couldn't envision building a future with.

Williams also spoke candidly about her commitment to abstaining from premarital sex, admitting that while it was difficult to abide by the "Bible standards," she found comfort in living by these principles.

"We don't believe in dating unless you're ready to get married. I've never dated anybody. It's good to get experience under your belt but you should never get wild or go crazy. If I can't see myself with this person for life - I can't be bothered. I can't waste my time," Serena Williams said.

"I have some really good men friends but I believe in no sex before marriage. No fornicating. Stuff like that. I really believe in that. I mean, I'm not perfect. It's hard to live by the Bible standards but I'm really comfortable with me," she added.

Serena Williams on passing down her religious beliefs to daughters Olympia and Adira: "I pray every night that the girls have a true relationship with God"

Serena Williams with her husband Alexis Ohanian and daughter Olympia (Source: Getty)

Serena Williams eventually tied the knot with Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in November 2017, two months after they welcomed their daughter Olympia. The couple became parents for the second time with the birth of their daughter Adira in 2023.

In a 2024 interview with Glamour, the former World No. 1 disclosed that she prayed daily for her daughters to remain close like her and Venus Williams while developing a "true relationship" with God.

"I pray every night that the girls stay close and have a true relationship with God on their own and get to know Him. It’s the most important thing that I personally think you can do," she said.

Serena Williams also credited the Bible's teachings for keeping her "grounded," disclosing that a principle that resonated with her deeply was, "Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly."