Drake has stirred the waters of social media by liking a comment on his Instagram that seemed to take a jab at Serena Williams, with whom he had an on-and-off relationship from 2011 to 2015. The comment referred to rapper Sexyy Red as a “Serena Williams upgrade,” under a series of tennis-themed photos Drake posted featuring himself and Sexyy Red captioned, “I said tennis lesson she said where’s the bracelet or the necklace.”
While the “God’s Plan” artist, 39, seemed to endorse the comment by hitting the like button, it drew mixed reactions online, with one user labeling his action as “messy.” This came just months after Williams publicly denied any ill intentions in a cameo she made during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, where she danced in a way many speculated was directed at Drake. In an April interview with Time, the 44-year-old tennis icon stated, “I would never” mock her ex, emphasizing the respect she holds for him despite their complex history.
In her interview, Williams expressed dismay over perceptions that she would use her public presence to slight Drake, reiterating, “I have never had negative feelings towards him.” Her performance during the Super Bowl was reminiscent of her iconic celebration after defeating Maria Sharapova at the London Olympics in 2012, rather than an attack on the rapper, as some had suggested.
Drake himself has referenced Williams in his music, notably in the 2013 hit “Worst Behavior,” where he rapped about tennis matches at home, even claiming he could beat her if she played left-handed. This historical context adds layers to their relationship, marked by deep-rooted respect even amid speculative narratives.
The interactions between Drake and Williams show that, despite their past romantic involvement, both continue to maintain a level of professionalism and mutual respect in the public eye. Fans remain intrigued by their dynamic, highlighting the nature of contemporary celebrity relationships where social media can both connect and complicate interactions.