Tennis icon Serena Williams shared an insight into her parenting style that led to some derision and mocking from social media.

Williams, who has been retired since 2022, has been enjoying her life off the court as she grows her business portfolio and spends more time with her family.

She’s been around her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and her daughters Olympia and Adira more often.

But with her being around more frequently, Williams is revealing some of her parenting techniques.

That included on Sunday night – when she shared an incident with her eldest daughter, Olympia.

‘I told my daughter to go to bed. She did not therefore, she missed out on her sleep over,’ Williams posted to her X account.

Serena Williams drew a mixed reaction for sharing a tough parenting moment

Williams (L) talked about how she cried when she had to discipline one of her daughters

Some mocked Williams for the honest moment while others agreed with her tough love

‘She cried. But what she did not know is I cried harder. I hate when she cries. Discipline sucks. But sometimes it’s important.’

Williams was mocked by some on social media, while others agreed with the tennis star’s tactic.

One mocking comment said, ‘She cried and I cried harder Whhaaaatttt My momma would be laughing at me crying while eating.’

Another asked, ‘Why is Serena Williams tweeting like a Nigerian engagement farming account ?’

‘I had to double check that this was the real Serena Williams haha,’ read another bewildered fan.

But others supported Williams’ parenting: ‘Be assertive in your decision,  she will thank you later,’ one commenter posted. 

Another comment read, ‘This is true. Disciplining children is hard for the parents. But it’s essential. Indulging the children always isn’t good for them.’ 

One post read, ‘This is how you parent. And it does suck but teaching these little folks the importance of discipline is the way. No matter how much it breaks our hearts. Because it’s about them and their future not our feelings.’

Williams became a mother in September 2017, giving birth to Olympia (age 8)

Olympia has grown up in a world of social media thanks to her doll, Qai Qai

Olympia became an older sister in August of 2023 with the birth of Adira

Williams and Ohanian have been married since November 2017, with the tennis star having already given birth to Olympia over two-and-a-half months earlier.

Olympia, currently age 8, was born in September via C-section. She has been spotted at multiple events alongside her parents and was courtside for her mother’s final tournament of her career.

One of Olympia’s prized possessions – a doll named Qai Qai – has become something of an internet sensation thanks to digital animation. The doll has social media accounts with 4.6m followers on TikTok and over 310,000 on Instagram.

Williams gave birth to her second daughter Adira, age 2, in August of 2023.