Serena Williams and Drake: A Decade of Rumors, Feuds, and Super Bowl Drama

The Spark of Romance and Friendship in 2015

The story of Serena Williams and Drake first made headlines in the summer of 2015, when the rapper became a regular fixture at her tennis matches. Starting with Wimbledon in June and July of that year, Drake’s presence in Serena’s player box sparked curiosity and speculation. During her quarterfinal and semifinal wins, Drake was often seen sitting near Serena’s sister, Venus Williams, and even attended the press conference after her semifinal victory. When asked if Drake was her “lucky mascot,” Serena downplayed the rumors, stating that they had been friends for years and describing their relationship as “just like family.” Despite her coy responses, Drake continued to show his support for Serena, attending her matches in Toronto and Ohio later that year.

By August 2015, the rumors of a potential romance heated up after the two were spotted kissing at a restaurant in Ohio following a Women’s Tennis Association tournament. However, unbeknownst to the public, Serena had already met her future husband, Alexis Ohanian, in May 2015 while staying at the same hotel in Rome. As her relationship with Ohanian grew, Drake remained a frequent topic of discussion, especially after Serena’s devastating loss in the 2015 U.S. Open, which prevented her from achieving a Grand Slam. Fans were quick to blame Drake for the loss, joking that his presence had “jinxed” her.

A Denial and a New Chapter for Serena

Amid the swirling rumors, Serena’s representative issued a statement in October 2015, confirming that she and Drake were simply “longtime friends.” This denial seemed to put the speculation to rest, and Serena’s focus shifted to her burgeoning relationship with Alexis Ohanian. By December 2015, she brought Ohanian as her plus one to the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year awards, marking a clear shift in her personal life. The couple got engaged in December 2016 and tied the knot in November 2017, welcoming two daughters, Alexis Olympia and Adira, along the way.

While Serena’s life with Ohanian became the subject of admiration and joyful headlines, Drake’s personal and professional life continued to intersect with hers in unexpected ways. In 2017, Drake became a father to his son, Adonis, with ex Sophie Brussaux. Despite this, his rumored unrequited feelings for Serena seemed to linger, resurfacing in his music years later.

Drake’s Lyrics and the Resurgence of Speculation

Drake reignited the conversation about his relationship with Serena in 2022 with his song “Middle of the Ocean.” In the track, he rapped, “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie / He claim we don’t got a problem but, no, boo, it is like you comin’ for sushi.” The lyrics were interpreted as a clear jab at Alexis Ohanian, suggesting that Drake still harbored feelings for Serena and criticisms of her husband. Ohanian wasted no time in responding, clapping back on social media with a message of confidence and devotion to his wife and daughter.

Drake further fueled speculation about his past with Serena in August 2024, when archival footage from 100 Gigs surfaced. In the throwback video, Drake discussed his 2016 hit “Too Good,” revealing that the song was about his rumored fling with Serena. He confessed to his mom, Sandi Graham, that the track was lighthearted but personal, adding, “I know Serena very well, and I know that she’ll hear it loud and clear but not hate me for it.” The resurfacing of this footage brought the rumors back into the spotlight, reigniting the public’s fascination with their connection.

Serena’s Subtle but Powerful Clap Back at the Super Bowl

In February 2025, Serena Williams made headlines once again when she appeared during Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show at the Super Bowl. Her cameo was unexpected, but what truly raised eyebrows was her participation in the performance of Lamar’s song “Not Like Us,” a diss track widely interpreted as a direct attack on Drake. The song included a pointed lyric warning Drake not to speak about Serena, a clear nod to the ongoing feud between the two men.

Serena’s involvement in the performance was seen by many as a subtle but powerful clap back at Drake, who had repeatedly referenced her in his music over the years. The tennis legend even referenced the situation during her hosting gig at the ESPY Awards in July 2024, jokingly warning Drake about the consequences of crossing Lamar. Her lighthearted yet sharp remarks, combined with her Super Bowl appearance, left fans buzzing about whether she was finally addressing the rumors and subtly taking sides in the high-profile feud.

A Legacy of Friendship, Feuds, and Resilience

In the end, the story of Serena Williams and Drake is one of friendship, speculation, and indirect jabs through music and public appearances. While their relationship has never been officially confirmed as romantic, the timestamps, lyrics, and subtle exchanges have kept the public guessing for nearly a decade. Serena’s decision to side with Kendrick Lamar during the Super Bowl halftime show not only underscored her resilience but also proved that she remains a force to be reckoned with—on and off the court.

As both Serena and Drake continue to navigate their personal and professional lives, one thing is clear: their connection, whether platonic or otherwise, has left an indelible mark on pop culture and celebrity history. Love, friendship, and feuds have all intertwined in this long-running saga, reminding us that even the most private of relationships can become fodder for public speculation and endless debate.