Drake has stirred new controversy on social media after fans noticed what they believe to be a subtle jab at tennis icon and former partner, Serena Williams. The speculation began after the rapper posted a tennis-themed photoshoot featuring rapper Sexyy Red, paired with a caption that many interpreted as pointed.
What Triggered the Reaction
In his latest Instagram post, Drake shared images of Sexyy Red in a tennis-inspired outfit. The caption prompted immediate buzz, with fans flooding the comments to compare the rapper to Serena Williams. One comment in particular, referring to Sexyy Red as an “upgrade,” caught the public’s eye—especially after Drake visibly liked the remark. For many, that gesture alone signaled agreement and reignited talk about his past with Serena.
Why Fans Consider It Shade
Drake and Serena Williams were romantically linked between 2011 and 2015, a relationship that has resurfaced in discussions multiple times over the years. The public recently revisited their history earlier in 2025 when Serena appeared during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance—an event that reignited speculation about tension between her and Drake. Although Serena denied any intention to shade her ex, her appearance became central to ongoing debate.
Adding to the drama, fans now believe Drake is reacting indirectly to Serena’s perceived alignment with Kendrick Lamar amid Drake’s ongoing feud with the rapper.
Serena Williams’ Past Clarifications
Serena has previously addressed rumors suggesting she intentionally shaded Drake. In interviews, she expressed disappointment that people interpreted her Super Bowl appearance as a dig, insisting she holds no negative feelings toward him. She clarified that her involvement was based on artistic ties and her long-standing familiarity with Kendrick Lamar rather than any personal message aimed at Drake.
Public Reaction
Social media users have been divided. Some accuse Drake of pettiness, claiming he seems more focused on old flames than on his current feud with Kendrick Lamar. Others view the situation as harmless stirring or playful engagement with fans. Still, the ongoing back-and-forth—with neither Drake nor Serena explicitly addressing the new speculation—keeps the story alive and the comment sections buzzing.
References
- Linda Ikeji’s Blog – Drake sparks fresh reactions as fans spot new shade aimed at Serena Williams
https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/11/drake-sparks-fresh-reactions-as-fans-spot-new-shade-aimed-at-serena-williams.html - Yahoo Entertainment – Drake caught liking shady Serena Williams comment
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/drake-caught-liking-shady-serena-164155840.html - TMZ – Drake accused of shading Serena Williams with new Instagram activity
https://www.tmz.com/2025/11/18/drake-serena-williams-diss-instagram-sexyy-red/ - The News – Drake takes subtle jab at ex Serena Williams on social media
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1359137-drake-takes-subtle-jab-at-ex-serena-williams-on-social-media - Bustle – Serena Williams addresses Super Bowl shade rumors
https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/serena-williams-on-drake-super-bowl-shade-rumors - NME – Serena Williams clarifies Super Bowl appearance was not aimed at Drake
https://www.nme.com/news/music/serena-williams-clarifies-super-bowl-appearance-was-absolutely-not-a-dig-at-drake-3855656 - People – Serena Williams says Super Bowl moment with Kendrick Lamar was not shade at Drake
https://people.com/serena-williams-super-bowl-crip-walk-kendrick-lamar-not-drake-shade-11716384 - New York Post – Serena Williams ‘conflicted’ over Drake fallout from Super Bowl appearance
https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/sports/serena-williams-conflicted-after-sad-drake-fallout-from-super-bowl-appearance/ - FandomWire – Fans accuse Drake of shading Serena while avoiding Kendrick Lamar feud
https://fandomwire.com/you-got-smoke-for-serena-drake-avoiding-battle-with-kendrick-lamar-while-throwing-shade-at-serena-williams-after-super-bowl-is-a-new-low-for-fans/
