Serena Williams brought the house down at the ESPY Awards with a surprising and lively performance, dancing to Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" and taking a playful jab at rapper Drake. The tennis icon, who has always been known for her fierce competitive spirit, showed off her fun side on stage, delighting the audience with her moves and humor.

"If I've learned anything this year, it's that none of us, not a single one of us, not even me, should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar," Williams quipped as the song "Not Like Us" played. She then broke into a Crip Walk, a dance move synonymous with her Compton roots, as the crowd erupted in cheers. Adding to the playful mood, she remarked, "He will make your hometown not like you. The next time Drake sits courtside at a Raptors game, they're gonna Forest Gump him, seats taken."

This humorous jab at Drake comes after years of public speculation and interaction between the two stars. In 2011, Williams and Drake were rumored to be romantically involved, and in 2015, TMZ captured them sharing a kiss. However, Williams married Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian in 2017, and the couple has since been in the public eye as a model of a strong, supportive relationship.

Earlier this month, during a panel discussion at Essence Fest in New Orleans, Williams proclaimed "Not Like Us" as a song she loves. "It's the hit of the summer," she stated enthusiastically. "When they play that jam, I'm jamming. That jam is jamming." Her admiration for Kendrick Lamar and his work was evident, especially when she praised his Juneteenth Pop Out concert, where Lamar brought a host of artists and celebrities on stage, including DJ Mustard, Dom Kennedy, Tyler the Creator, YG, Ty Dolla $ign, Blxst, Roddy Ricch, and Dr. Dre. "I couldn't believe it," she added, marveling at the star-studded event.

In the track "Not Like Us," Lamar mentions Williams: "From Alondra down to Central, n-a better not speak on Serena." This line highlights the respect and admiration Lamar has for Williams, who has consistently proven herself as a dominant force in tennis and a significant cultural figure.

The playful jab at Drake during her ESPYs performance was a lighthearted reference to past interactions. In 2022, Drake took a shot at Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, in his track "Middle of the Ocean" from the album 'Her Loss,' rapping: "Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie/ He claim we don't got a problem but/ No, boo, it is like you coming for sushi." Ohanian responded with a classy Instagram post, stating, "The reason I stay winning is because I'm relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do - including being the best supporter for my wife & daughter."

Williams' performance at the ESPYs, hosted by her friend Serena Williams, was a testament to her charisma and ability to entertain beyond the tennis court. Her remarks and dance moves showcased her sense of humor and connection to her roots, endearing her even more to fans.

Serena's playful engagement with the audience and her comments about Drake added a layer of personal flair to the event. It highlighted her ability to navigate public scrutiny with grace and wit, reinforcing why she remains a beloved figure in sports and popular culture.