Serena Sets the Record Straight, "No Petty Plays" in Kendrick's Super Bowl Show

In Serena Williams's new TIME100 feature, the living legend reflected on the past year of her life and one of its most buzzed-about installments: when she made a surprise appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar at the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Show. The internet was ablaze after the performance, not just because of Kendrick's explosive set. Supposition ran rampant that Serena's cameo was a not-so-unpretentious dig at Drake, her former rumored flame and frequent fodder for online gossip.

"It wasn't a dig. It wasn't a message. It was art," Serena said, practically ending the chit-chat.

As Serena explained, it all came down to one thing: Kendrick Lamar asked her to do it. The Pulitzer Prize-winning rapper contacted her just weeks before the big game to see if she would be interested. It was an opportunity for Serena to join forces with something courageous and artistic. There were no ulterior motives, no drama, just vibes and vision.

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"I always respected Kendrick as an artist and a thinker," she said. "I was honored when he asked me." It was not about anybody else."

Of course, that "anyone else"  would be Drake, who is no stranger to Super Bowl subplots. But Serena is more interested in expanding her business empire, guiding the next generation of athletes, and rewriting sports culture in boardrooms, not beef.

Her TIME100 profile offers more on her evolving legacy since her retirement. From pouring millions into companies through Serena Ventures to taking a stake in the WNBA, she is rewriting the playbook about what athletes can accomplish off the field. With young stars like Coco Gauff climbing the tennis ranks, Serena embraces new roles as a mentor and mogul.

What about that electrifying halftime moment? It was yet another demonstration of Serena's ability to seize any stage.

"Sometimes people want to give meaning to things because it makes the story juicier," she said with a smile. "But not everything needs to be that deep. Sometimes, it's just about doing a really heavy thing with people you believe in.'"

There was no shade, no subliminal, just Serena being Serena, bringing the same energy that made her a legend on the court to new arenas. And if anybody is still wondering whether the performance was a shot at Drake, let's say that she put that rumor out of bounds.