NEW ORLEANS — Tennis legend Serena Williams made an unexpected appearance during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime performance, bringing Compton spirit to football’s biggest stage and making a not-so-subtle jab at Lamar’s rap nemesis, Drake. 

Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, emerged during Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us” and did a Crip Walk – a dance move that previously caused a stir when she did it at Wimbledon in 2012.

After the show, Williams shared her excitement on Instagram, posting, “Let’s go Super Bowl halftime??! I died a little!”

In a candid backstage video, Williams playfully reflected on her performance: “Man, I did not Crip Walk like that in Wimbledon. Ooo! I would’ve been fined!”

“Not Like Us,” Lamar’s Grammy-winning diss track, takes aim at Drake’s authenticity and past relationships, and Williams’ appearance at the Super Bowl is likely another jab at the Canadian rapper. 

Williams’ and Drake’s high-profile relationship spanned from 2011 to 2015, with Drake frequently spotted courtside at her matches from Wimbledon to the U.S. Open. Drake rapped about her in his 2013 track “Worst Behavior,” where he referenced their relationship.

The tennis star, now married to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, seemed to embrace the moment’s subtle shade, having recently poked fun at Drake during the 2024 ESPYs while dancing to the same track. 

Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show also featured appearances from other entertainment heavyweights, including DJ Mustard, Samuel L. Jackson, and SZA.