Serena Williams' husband shades Maria Sharapova with his choice of shirt
Serena Williams faced off against Maria Sharapova at the U.S. Open in New York City on Monday, Aug. 26, winning the match 6-1, 6-1. However, her husband, Alexis Ohanian, was the one turning heads with his choice of shirt that, according to Twitter users, was most likely a dig at Sharapova.
The Reddit co-founder wore a black D.A.R.E. t-shirt, an acronym which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. The program has been taught in American schools to teach students to "respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance abuse and others dangerous behaviors," according to the organization's website.
the second drag of the serena-sharapova match happened off the court, with @alexisohanian in a d.a.r.e shirt. 😩 if you know, you know. #USOpenpic.twitter.com/CbnVXUtdeF
— get on the drums, ro (@oscar_pope) August 27, 2019
At first glance, the t-shirt is no big deal, until you consider the fact that in January 2016, Sharapova tested positive for the banned drug meldonium at the Australian Open, and on a day she lost to Williams in the quarterfinals. According to the Associated Press, the drug was originally made for heart patients in Latvia and "was banned because it aids oxygen uptake and endurance."
At the time, the World Anti-Doping Agency made note that Sharapova's violation was not intentional as she wasn't aware of the ban, which had only come into affect that month. However, she failed to inform her use of the drug to officials, her teammates, her agent and even her doctors, Vanity Fair reported.
Sharapova was subsequently banned from playing tennis for 15 months and lost deals with Nike, Porsche and Tag Heuer. She returned to the sport in April 2017.
Considering the scandal, and the fact that Sharapova considers Williams her biggest rival and vice versa, Ohanian's shirt was considerably shady. Online, some found it funny, while others found it downright petty and slightly amazing.
Serena's husband is so petty for this shirt! 😂 https://t.co/bMtLMd8jZw
— Shells P (@docshellrx) August 27, 2019
I just saw Serena’s hub’s DARE shirt that he wore to the match. Talk about shade! Oh. My. Lol
— Beverly Jenkins (@authorMsBev) August 27, 2019
If my husband doesn’t go this hard for me... I don’t want him 😂
— rue 🌼 (@ruencomo) August 27, 2019
This is true love. Some Men buy flowers. Some men buy gifts. This man brought a bouquet of fresh cut petty.
And had the nerve to stand all the way up and applaud in it.
Alexis, sir: pic.twitter.com/0W6TuqFe9Y— BlackXtian (@BlackXtian) August 27, 2019
Wait Alexis Ohanian is wearing a DARE shirt LOL the pettiness is whewww #USOpen2019 but way to support your wifey! pic.twitter.com/Xj04FZ1g8O
— Cherizza L. (@CherizzaL) August 27, 2019
Although most applauded Ohanian, the cut felt particularly deep considering the last time Williams played against Sharapova was back in Australia in 2016, and that she now leads her 20-2 in head-to-head meetings.