Drake, a legendary rapper, and Serena Williams, a tennis legend, were once the talk of the town in the entertainment and sports industries. Their alleged romance seemed straight out of a contemporary love story, what with all the courtside appearances, sad song lyrics, and media speculation.

The romance between them, however, faded away as subtly as it had come. Their feud has been in the news for almost a decade, and it’s back again. Unresolved feelings abound from this breakup, what with Serena publicly supporting Kendrick Lamar in his feud with Drake and her husband Alexis Ohanian clapping back at the rapper’s past jabs.
So, how did Drake and Serena Williams end up interacting? Because of what happened in their relationship, why did they break up, and why is it causing so much trouble now?
Drake and Serena Williams: Relationship Timeline and Key Facts
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Aubrey Drake Graham |
Birthdate | October 24, 1986 (37 years old) |
Occupation | Rapper, singer, songwriter, entrepreneur |
Awards | 5 Grammy Awards, 29 Billboard Music Awards |
Net Worth | $250 million |
Full Name | Serena Jameka Williams |
Birthdate | September 26, 1981 (42 years old) |
Occupation | Former professional tennis player |
Grand Slam Titles | 23 (Most in the Open Era) |
Net Worth | $300 million |
First Public Rumors | 2011 (Drake spotted at Serena’s matches) |
Last Public Appearance Together | 2015 (Seen kissing in a restaurant) |
Breakup Confirmed | 2015 (Serena later married Alexis Ohanian in 2017) |
Source | USA Today |
This Was Never a Healthy Relationship
When Drake started showing up at Serena’s matches more often in 2011, rumors about their romance began to circulate. His infectious excitement while on the sidelines prompted many to wonder if their relationship was more than just mutual admiration.
Their chemistry appeared to be indisputable by 2015. The fire was kindled when photos of the couple kissing and embracing at a Cincinnati restaurant came to light. Drake’s use of Serena in his lyrics added to the mystery; he made multiple references to her in Worst Behavior and Too Good, a song he later claimed was influenced by their romance.
Although there was a lot of buildup, the relationship never really materialized. In 2016, Serena began dating Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit, and Drake’s on-again, off-again relationship with Rihanna made headlines again.
What caused the breakup between Drake and Serena Williams? The Discourses
There were probably a lot of moving parts in their relationship that eventually led to its demise, but neither side has ever come out and said it.
- First, Drake Wasn’t Prepared to Get Married
Both in her professional and personal life, Serena Williams has consistently exhibited an extraordinary level of self-control and concentration. However, Drake was becoming known for his penchant for flitting around with famous women, including Bella Hadid, Jennifer Lopez, and Rihanna.
Drake reportedly wasn’t ready to commit to just one woman, in contrast to Serena’s desire for a committed relationship.
Alexis Ohanian and Serena, on the other hand, moved quickly and seriously in their relationship. Their 2017 marriage and subsequent family shows that Serena was seeking stability, which Drake failed to provide.
- There Was An Insurmountable Amount of Public Pressure
A relationship between a global superstar is one of the most scrutinized relationships in the world. The media and fans alike couldn’t stop talking about every single match, song, and paparazzi shot.
According to rumors, their relationship took a hit in 2015 when Drake went to one of Serena’s major matches at the U.S. Open. Some of her admirers named her devastating defeat at Roberta Vinci’s hands the “Drake Curse” because they thought his presence had distracted her.
Many people felt strongly that Serena should distance herself from Drake’s involvement in her career, and the internet was flooded with articles and memes expressing this view.
Any relationship, particularly an unofficial one, would be put to the test by this amount of pressure.
- The Feud Between Drake and Alexis Ohanian
Alexis Ohanian has been much more outspoken regarding Serena’s split from Drake than Serena herself.
In his 2022 single “Middle of the Ocean,” Drake sarcastically criticized Ohanian, rapping:
👉 “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie”
The line was a direct attack on Ohanian’s relationship with Serena, suggesting that Serena’s fame was more important than her.
Ohanian, instead of retaliating aggressively, responded on Twitter with a sophisticated yet incisive message:
👉 “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do, including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter.”
Even though Drake kept bringing up their history, this mic-drop moment made Serena seem like she had moved on entirely, according to the internet.
Affirming Kendrick Lamar’s Position Against Drake, Serena Williams
The feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar broke out in 2024 and involved many famous people.
Serena openly danced to “Not Like Us,” a diss track by Kendrick Lamar that targets Drake, during Super Bowl LVIII. It was interpreted by her fans as a clear indication of her loyalty.
Months later, at the 2024 ESPYs, she joked even more emphatically about her position:
“One thing I’ve realized this year is that it’s not a good idea to get into an argument with Kendrick Lamar. Neither should anyone else, including myself.”
There were no more connections to Drake after the comment, which was greeted with applause.
What’s the Future Hold for Serena Williams and Drake?
A Possibility of Amending Opinions?
Williams is a married woman with children; her recent behavior demonstrates that she has no desire to rekindle any relationship with Drake, making a reconciliation between the two very unlikely.
Is Serena going to be a recurring theme in Drake’s music?
It would be expected if Drake continued to mention Serena in future songs, considering his penchant for rehashing past relationships.
When does Serena usually reply to Drake?
She may keep quietly rooting for Kendrick Lamar even if they don’t engage in direct communication.
Serena Williams is thriving in the here and now, while Drake is lost in nostalgia for a bygone era.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
1. Why did Drake and Serena Williams break up?
The main reasons likely include Drake’s lack of commitment, intense public scrutiny, and their differing priorities.
2. Did Serena ever publicly address their breakup?
She has never spoken about it directly, but her support for Kendrick Lamar and Ohanian’s clapback suggest she’s moved on completely.
3. Why did Drake diss Alexis Ohanian?
He implied that Ohanian was a “groupie” living in Serena’s shadow—a claim that Ohanian hilariously shut down on Twitter.
4. Is Serena Williams Team Kendrick or Team Drake?
Her Super Bowl dance and ESPY comments confirm she’s siding with Kendrick.
5. Could Drake and Serena ever be friends again?
With the ongoing jabs and recent tensions, reconciliation seems highly unlikely.