Serena Williams Brings Bombshell Blonde and Bodycon to 2024 ESPYS — But Daughter Olympia Stole the Show

Serena Williams knows how to ace any red carpet.
The tennis champion, 42, took on a new gig as host of the 2024 ESPY Awards, taking place at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Thursday, July 11. To no one’s surprise, Williams took the role seriously and served up perhaps one of her best red carpet looks yet.
The WYN Beauty founder arrived at the event in a figure-hugging black Giorgio Armani gown with a sparkling bustier detail. To complement the glamorous ensemble, Williams’ longtime hairstylist Angela Meadows gave the star a blonde bombshell look fit for a movie star.

“I wanted to give her an old Hollywood glam inspired look to set the stage for this momentous night,” Meadows tells PEOPLE. “The chic, classic bombshell waves build up hype for the incredible looks we have planned throughout the rest of the awards ceremony.”
Williams also walked the carpet alongside her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and their six-year-old daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., who goes by Olympia. Alexis wore a classic black suit paired with blue nike sneakers, while Olympia channeled her mom’s glam look in a silver short sleeve dress with a flared skirt.

Williams has an array of high-fashion looks — with hair changes for each — planned for the night. When it came to designing the hairstyles, Meadows tells PEOPLE exclusively that the tennis star wanted to “be very out there.”
“She wanted to be blonder. She really wanted to have these cool looks,” the stylist explains. “So my first thoughts was, well, if we are going to do that, we have to step it up. I have to find good products.”
Meadows relied heavily on Wella Professionals Ultimate Repair Miracle Hair Rescue to keep Williams’ hair looking its best for her many hair changes.
“I have to make sure that the hair is shiny and beautiful and with no frizz,” she says, adding that the product works in just 90 seconds, which is particularly helpful for quick styling backstage.
The ceremony, which airs live on ABC on Thursday, July 11 at 8 p.m. ET, recognizes talent in athletic achievement.

WNBA rookie star Caitlin Clark garnered the most nominations at this year’s ESPYs. She’s nominated for best athlete, women’s sports; best record-breaking performance (for being the NCAA’s all-time scoring leader by surpassing Pete Maravich’s record) and best college athlete, women’s sports.
Other standout nominees include gymnastics champion Simone Biles (nominated nominated for best comeback athlete), Super Bowl champ Patrick Mahomes (best athlete, men’s sports and best NFL player) and tennis standout Coco Gauff, who is up for best athlete, women’s sports and best tennis player.