Drake and Serena Williams have shared a multifaceted relationship over the years, encompassing rumored romance, musical tributes, and public interactions. Their connection has been a subject of public interest, especially in light of recent events.
Early Connections and Rumored Romance
In 2011, Drake and Serena Williams were rumored to be dating, with the rapper frequently attending her tennis matches. Their relationship garnered significant media attention, especially when Drake was spotted cheering for Williams at Wimbledon in 2015. This presence led to discussions about a “Drake curse,” where fans humorously blamed him for unexpected losses by teams or individuals he supported. For instance, after Williams’ surprising defeat at the U.S. Open in 2015, some fans jokingly held Drake responsible, citing his attendance as a jinx.
Musical Tributes
Drake’s admiration for Williams extended into his music. In his 2013 track “Worst Behavior,” he rapped, “I’m with my whole set, tennis matches at the crib / I swear I could beat Serena when she playin’ with her left.” This lyric playfully referenced their connection and his respect for her athletic prowess.
Further solidifying the influence of their relationship on his artistry, Drake revealed that his 2016 single “Too Good,” featuring Rihanna, was inspired by his relationship with Williams. In a candid studio session, he discussed the song’s origins, stating, “It’s funny because when I make songs about women, I also make songs for them. So, I know what kind of song to make.” He emphasized that while the song was about Williams, it was crafted in a lighthearted manner, ensuring she would appreciate it.
Public Interactions and Recent Tensions
Over the years, Drake and Williams maintained a friendly rapport, even as she moved on to marry Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in 2017. However, tensions surfaced in 2022 when Drake referred to Ohanian as a “groupie” in his song “Middle of the Ocean.” Ohanian responded on Twitter, embracing the label and expressing pride in being a supportive husband and father.
The Super Bowl Controversy
The relationship dynamics took another turn during Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Lamar performed his diss track “Not Like Us,” which targets Drake, and featured a surprise cameo by Serena Williams. Williams’ participation, especially her dance performance during the show, was seen by many as a subtle alignment with Lamar amidst his feud with Drake. In response, Drake posted a photo on his burner Instagram account, @plottttwistttttt, featuring himself with Williams’ longtime agent, Jill Smoller. This move was interpreted by fans as a subtle dig at Williams for her involvement in Lamar’s performance.
In summary, Drake has publicly acknowledged his relationship with Serena Williams through his music and public appearances. While their connection has seen moments of camaraderie and mutual respect, recent events, particularly surrounding the Super Bowl performance, have introduced elements of tension and public scrutiny
