Yes. Drake and Serena Williams reportedly datedbut they never publicly confirmed an official relationship.
Reports connect them on and off between 2011 and 2015. They were seen together at tennis matches, restaurants, and fashion shows.
So why does this story keep coming back? Drake made several lyrical references to Williams over the years. Then in February 2025,
Serena appeared on stage during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, dancing as Lamar performed his Grammy-winning Drake diss track “Not Like Us.” That moment brought everything back into the spotlight.
Here is the full story.
Why do people think Drake And Serena Williams Were Together?
The rumors had real reasons behind them. Public sightings, match appearances, and song lyrics all kept people talking.
Drake’s Public Support at Serena’s Matches:
Drake attended Serena’s matches more than once. He showed up at the 2011 Rogers Cup in Toronto, the 2015 US Open, and even at her 2018 Wimbledon match.
After the 2015 US Open, Serena was seen leaving in Drake’s car. Attending matches repeatedly felt like more than friendship to many fans.
The 2015 Sightings That Made Headlines:
In August 2015, TMZ obtained photos of the two at a private dinner in Cincinnati. The photos appeared to show them kissing. That same month, Drake sat courtside at the US Open.
He later attended Serena’s HSN fashion show in September. Still, her rep told People: “They are simply longtime friends.”
Why the Rumors Grew So Quickly Online:
Both were massive names in sports and entertainment. Drake also kept referencing Serena in his songs in 2013, 2016, and 2022. Every new lyric brought the story back.
Neither spoke clearly about their past, and that silence kept the speculation going.
Drake and Serena Williams Relationship Timeline
Drake and Serena’s story did not happen overnight. It built slowly over more than a decade, through tweets, sightings, songs, and one very talked-about Super Bowl moment.
| Year | What Happened | Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Drake tweeted Serena and attended her Rogers Cup match | Not confirmed |
| 2013 | Drake named Serena in “Worst Behavior.” | Lyric only |
| Summer 2015 | Drake spotted at multiple Serena events | Not confirmed |
| August 2015 | Kissing photos surface from Cincinnati dinner | Denied by the rep |
| Late 2015 | Serena’s rep denies rumors; she starts dating Ohanian | Denied |
| 2016 | “Too Good” was later revealed to be written about Serena | Confirmed by Drake |
| 2022 | Drake calls Ohanian a “groupie” in “Middle of the Ocean.” | Confirmed lyric |
| 2025 | Serena dances at Kendrick’s Super Bowl halftime show | Publicly seen |
Fun Fact: Drake attended Serena’s matches in 2011, 2015, and 2018, three different years, three different chapters of the same story that never got a clear ending.
What Drake Has Said About Serena Williams?
Drake never gave a direct public statement about Serena. Instead, he let his music do the talking.
Music References That Kept the Rumors Alive:
Drake mentioned Serena by name in his 2013 song “Worst Behavior.” It was a small lyric, but fans picked up on it fast. It was the first clear sign that their connection went beyond friendship.
What “Too Good” Changed in the Conversation:
Drake released “Too Good” featuring Rihanna in 2016. Most fans assumed the song was about Rihanna. Then, in 2024, footage surfaced of Drake telling his mother the song was actually written about Serena.
That one reveal reframed years of speculation. A song people thought they already understood suddenly took on a completely different meaning.
Why Later Lyrics Made the Topic Trend Again:
In his 2022 track “Middle of the Ocean,” Drake called Serena’s husband Alexis Ohanian a “groupie.” Ohanian responded publicly on social media, calling himself the best groupie for his wife and daughter.
Serena replied with a heart emoji. That exchange pulled the whole story back into public conversation all over again
What Happened at Super Bowl 59?
The Super Bowl halftime show in February 2025 gave this old story a very public second chapter.
Serena Williams’ Surprise Cameo During Kendrick Lamar’s Halftime Show:
Kendrick Lamar headlined the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX halftime show on February 9, 2025. Both Lamar and Serena grew up in Compton, California.
He invited her on stage during “Not Like Us,” where she performed the Crip Walk.
Why Her Appearance Immediately Sparked Drake Speculation:
Serena appeared during a song that was specifically a diss track aimed at Drake. The crowd and the internet immediately connected the dots to their rumored past.
How the Moment Revived Interest in Their Rumored Dating History:
Many fans had no idea about Drake and Serena’s history before that night. The appearance changed instantly. Search interest in their past shot up right after the show.
The Symbolism Behind Serena Dancing to “Not Like Us”:
Serena had done the Crip Walk before at Wimbledon in 2012 after beating Maria Sharapova. Doing it again on the Super Bowl stage felt like a full-circle moment.
Why This Became a Major Pop Culture Talking Point After the Game:
The moment connected sports, music, a rap feud, and a rumored celebrity romance. Serena denied it was aimed at Drake, saying: “Absolutely not. I would never do that.” That denial only kept people talking longer.
Why This Celebrity Rumor Still Gets So Much Attention?
The mystery surrounding Drake and Serena Williams persists because it blends high-stakes sports drama with the allure of a secret A-list romance.
Sports and music crossover appeal:
The intersection of a tennis legend and a rap icon creates a powerhouse narrative. When two worlds as massive as professional sports and global hip-hop collide,
It captivates a diverse audience, ensuring the story remains a staple of entertainment news.
Unconfirmed relationships create lasting curiosity:
Since neither star ever officially confirmed a romance, the “what if” factor remains high. This lack of closure fuels endless fan theories and digital archives,
turning a private connection into a permanent piece of internet lore that users love to decode.
How pop culture events keep reviving the topic:
From cryptic song lyrics to high-profile appearances like the Super Bowl, new moments constantly breathe life into the past.
These modern-day “easter eggs” trigger nostalgia and social media debates, proving that in pop culture, no rumor ever truly stays buried
Final Thoughts
The connection between Drake and Serena Williams remains one of pop culture’s most fascinating “what if” stories.
Whether it was courtside support, hidden song lyrics, or a surprising Super Bowl moment, their history continues to spark debate long after the initial rumors surfaced.
It proves that when two icons from different worlds collide, the narrative takes on a life of its own, blending music, sports, and mystery into a lasting legacy.
What do you think about their rumored past? Was it a genuine romance or just a long-term friendship that the internet wouldn’t let go?
Share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know which celebrity crossover rumor you want to see us dive into next
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Drake in A Relationship Now?
As of April 2026, Drake has not confirmed a relationship. While recently linked to Lily Phillips and Lexi Wood, he is currently considered single.
What Happened Between Kendrick and Drake?
Kendrick Lamar and Drake engaged in a viral rap feud, exchanging personal diss tracks like Not Like Us before Kendrick’s iconic Super Bowl performance.
How Long Were Drake and Serena Williams Together?
Drake and Serena Williams reportedly dated on and off between 2011 and 2015. However, they never publicly confirmed an official romantic relationship.
Who Is Serena Williams’ Ex?
Serena Williams has been linked to several high-profile figures, including Common, Grigor Dimitrov, and Drake. However, her most significant relationship is with her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
What Does Serena Williams Have to Do with Kendrick Lamar?
Serena Williams made a surprise appearance at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, where she danced to his Drake diss track, sparking major pop culture headlines.
