Serena Williams has laughed off a bizarre rumour that she once used “witchcraft” to defeat an opponent, revealing the claim during an episode of her new podcast Stockton Street, co-hosted with sister Venus Williams and Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion recalled hearing the outlandish accusation during her playing days, saying that one rival allegedly believed Serena’s dominance on court came from something supernatural rather than sheer talent.
“The craziest thing I ever heard about me was that I did witchcraft, black magic because I was beating some girl a lot,” Serena said.
“She claimed that we did black magic to beat her.”
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
Venus, 45, joined in the conversation, revealing that the rumour apparently spread even further within the player’s camp.
“From what I understand, someone in her team consulted a black magician to beat Serena,” she said, laughing at the absurdity of it.
The episode — part of the sisters’ newly launched podcast named after the street in Compton, Los Angeles, where they grew up and trained under the guidance of their father, Richard Williams — explores some of the strangest stories the two have encountered throughout their careers.
Serena Williams has laughed off a bizarre rumour that she once used “witchcraft” to defeat an opponent, revealing the claim during an episode of her new podcast Stockton Street, co-hosted with sister Venus Williams and Grammy Award-winning singer Ciara
|X
The sisters, who share 30 Grand Slam singles titles between them, have been global icons for over two decades, transforming women’s tennis with their power, poise, and longevity.
Serena’s dominance during her career was so complete that some opponents struggled to win even a single set against her, let alone a match.
Former world No 2 Agnieszka Radwanska lost all 10 of her encounters with Williams, including three Grand Slam meetings, while her sister Urszula Radwanska suffered five straight defeats.
Five facts for tennis fans | GETTY/PALATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Serena Williams retired from tennis back in 2022 | PACurrent top player Madison Keys has also failed to record a victory in three career meetings with the American legend.
While Serena’s revelation amused fans, Venus shared her own surreal experience with mistaken identity, describing how strangers have repeatedly insisted they met her in places she has never been.
“People kept telling me where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing, and I’ve never even been to that place,” she said.
“You just have to go along with it because otherwise they’ll fight you on it — that you were there and did this thing with them — but I’m like, ‘I’ve never met you in my life. Get help!’”
The lighthearted discussion offered listeners a rare glimpse into how the sisters handle fame, rumours, and the eccentric side of public life.
Venus and Serena Williams have 30 Grand Slams between them
| GETTYSerena retired from professional tennis in September 2022, 27 years after turning professional and 25 years after claiming her first Grand Slam title at the 1999 US Open.
Her influence on the sport remains unmatched, inspiring a new generation of players with her record-breaking achievements and outspoken advocacy for equality.
Venus, meanwhile, continues to compete despite being a year older than her sister.
Her most recent appearance came at this year’s US Open, where she was defeated in the first round by 11th seed Karolina Muchova.
The elder Williams has hinted she has no plans to retire yet, maintaining the same competitive spirit that has defined her career for nearly three decades.