Introduction

Serena Williams remains one of the most iconic figures in tennis history — a legend both on and off the court. In recent months, several topics associated with her name have resurfaced, including long-running rumours about Drake, commentary from sports journalist Ben Rothenberg, the supportive presence of her sister Venus Williams, and speculation about a possible return to competitive tennis. In this article, we’ll break down each thread — what’s based on fact, what’s speculation, and what the current status is as of late 2025.
Who is Serena Williams — quick refresher
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Serena Williams was born September 26, 1981, to Oracene Price and Richard Williams. She is the youngest of five daughters, with a full older sister Venus and several half-sisters.
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Over her career, Serena claimed 23 Grand Slam singles titles, along with a slew of doubles and mixed doubles championships, many alongside her sister Venus.
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The Williams sisters transformed women’s tennis — combining power, athleticism, and dominance — and their legacy remains unmatched.
Given this immense legacy, any news about Serena — be it personal, relational, or professional — tends to attract wide attention.
The Drake Connection: Rumour, Reality, and Recent Resurgence
Background of rumours
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Over the years, there have been persistent rumours linking Serena and Drake romantic-ally.
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According to reporting, Drake was once described as “trailing Serena like a puppy” during the 2015 tennis season — attending her practices, tournaments, and press conferences.
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Despite the speculation, it was “never clear how serious Serena was about him,” and in time she moved on.
What triggered renewed interest in 2025
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In February 2025, Serena made a surprise appearance during the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, dancing along to a performance featuring a track widely interpreted as a diss song aimed at Drake.
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Her participation sparked fresh speculation: was this a subtle message, a closure, or just a performance choice? Coverage and fan reaction re-ignited interest in the Serena–Drake narrative.
What we do know
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The past link between Serena and Drake is best described as “rumoured”, never confirmed publicly by either party.
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The Super Bowl performance by Serena in 2025 — happening years after those rumours — has stirred debate, but there is no official confirmation that it was meant specifically as a dig at Drake. Some view it simply as a cultural statement, others as meaningful closure.
Enter Ben Rothenberg: Context and Commentary
Who is Ben Rothenberg
Ben Rothenberg is a tennis journalist and commentator who has, in recent years, written about the intersection of tennis and popular culture — including the alleged Serena–Drake connection.
What did Rothenberg write about Serena & Drake
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In a 2025 article titled “Serena, Drake, and the Super Bowl,” Rothenberg revisited past rumours and pointed out that Drake had been reportedly following Serena around in 2015, attending her events and pursuing her persistently.
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He characterized the Super Bowl appearance as “a moment” — linking past curiosity around their relationship with present spectacle on a major stage.
What that means (and doesn’t)
Rothenberg’s writing adds context and historical perspective, but — importantly — does not provide new evidence confirming any romantic relationship. His articles and commentary remain in the realm of speculation, interpretation, and media analysis, not verified fact.
In other words: his voice colours perception, but doesn’t convert rumours to truths.
The Williams Sister — Who is Serena’s “Sister”?
When people refer to Serena’s “sister,” they almost always mean Venus Williams. But Serena’s family is broader — and part of that story is tragic.
Venus Williams — The tennis legend sister
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Venus Williams is Serena’s full older sister; together they formed one of the most dominant and celebrated partnerships in women’s tennis history.
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They won numerous doubles titles and even Olympic gold medals together, rewriting history and expectations for female athletes.
Other sisters — background, tragedy and family roots
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Apart from Venus, Serena has several half-siblings from her parents’ previous relationships.
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One such half-sister was Yetunde Price. Sadly, she was murdered in a drive-by shooting in 2003 — a tragic event that impacted the Williams family deeply.
In media references, “sister” usually points to Venus — but it’s important to remember Serena’s broader family history, including its victories and sorrows.
Is Serena Returning? The 2025–26 Comeback Buzz
What’s happening now
As of December 2, 2025, Serena Williams has rejoined the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) registered testing pool — a mandatory step for any professional tennis player who wishes to compete again.
This marks the first time she has done so since 2022, when she played her final match at the US Open.
Athletes re-entering the testing pool become subject to anti-doping whereabouts requirements for at least six months before being allowed to compete — meaning that, in theory, Serena could be eligible for a return by mid-2026.
What she (or her camp) says
Despite the procedural move, Serena has publicly denied any immediate return plans. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), she called speculation about a comeback “crazy.”
So — putting name on testing-pool list might be more about keeping options open, rather than actively signaling a comeback.
What’s possible — and what’s speculative
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Possible: She may want to keep her eligibility intact — which could be for a surprise appearance, doubles with Venus, or something else.
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Speculative: A full singles-tour return remains uncertain. No official announcement has been made, and Serena herself has indicated she doesn’t intend to return — at least for now.
Many fans and pundits are watching closely: even a part-time or doubles-only return would be major news, given her legacy.
Putting It All Together: What It Means for Serena’s Legacy
The convergence of these threads — her past social life, media commentary, familial ties, and potential professional return — speaks to why Serena Williams continues to fascinate.
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The Drake connection remains a colourful chapter in celebrity-sports interplay, but nothing concrete has ever been confirmed.
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The commentary from Ben Rothenberg reminds us how much media narratives can shape public memory — often blending fact, rumour, and cultural interpretation.
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Her relationship with her sister Venus (and broader family) underscores that Serena’s journey has always been about more than just individual glory. It is intertwined with family, history, and personal loss.
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The possible return in 2026 — while uncertain — highlights Serena’s enduring competitive spirit, and the respect she still commands in tennis.
If she chooses to return, even briefly, it could reshape conversations about comebacks, athlete longevity, and the evolving role of veteran champions in modern sports.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Was Serena Williams and Drake ever officially dating?
A: No — while there were widespread rumours, and media commentary (including from Ben Rothenberg) suggesting Drake pursued Serena, neither party ever publicly confirmed a serious romantic relationship.
Q: Why did Serena appear at the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show — was it to send a message to Drake?
A: Her appearance sparked speculation — especially since the performance included a diss-track aimed at Drake. But there is no definitive proof it was intended as a personal message. Some view it as cultural expression or celebration of roots rather than a direct dig.
Q: Who is recognized as Serena’s “sister”? Is it only Venus?
A: While her most famous and tennis-linked sister is Venus Williams, Serena has other half-sisters as well. One of them, Yetunde Price, tragically died in 2003.
Q: Is Serena definitely returning to tennis in 2026?
A: Not necessarily. She has re-entered the official testing pool — which makes it possible to return — but she herself has denied plans for a comeback. It’s best to consider her eligibility as open, but a return as undecided.
Q: If Serena returns, will she play singles or doubles?
A: That’s unclear. Many speculate a doubles return with Venus is more likely — if anything — given the time away, but nothing is confirmed.
Conclusion
Serena Williams doesn’t just occupy a place in tennis history — her life continues to intersect sports, culture, media, family, and possibility. The renewed spotlight on her alleged past ties with Drake, media reflections by Ben Rothenberg, familial history rooted in both triumph and tragedy, and whispers of a 2026 comeback collectively underscore why her story still resonates deeply.
Whether she returns — or simply remains a symbol — one thing is clear: Serena Williams’ legacy is alive, evolving, and still capable of sparking global conversation.
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