Serena Williams dismisses witchcraft rumor on podcast
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, reports BritPanorama.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion recalled hearing the outlandish accusation during her playing days, mentioning that a rival allegedly believed Serena’s dominance on court stemmed 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 stated. “She claimed that we did black magic to beat her.”
Venus, 45, joined in the conversation, disclosing 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 explores some of the strangest stories the two have encountered throughout their careers.
The sisters have amassed 30 Grand Slam singles titles between them, firmly establishing themselves as global icons and transforming women’s tennis with their power and longevity. Serena’s dominance was so significant that some opponents struggled even to win a single set against her. Notable among them, former world No 2 Agnieszka Radwanska lost all 10 meetings with Williams, including three Grand Slam encounters, while her sister Urszula Radwanska recorded five straight losses.
Current top player Madison Keys has also failed to secure 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, detailing how strangers have repeatedly insisted they encountered her in places she has never visited. “People kept telling me where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing, and I’ve never even been to that place,” she explained.
The lighthearted discussion offered listeners an opportunity to glimpse how the sisters manage fame, rumours, and the eccentric aspects of public life. Serena, who retired from professional tennis in September 2022, continues to inspire a new generation of players with her record-breaking achievements and advocacy for equality.
Venus remains active in competition, the elder Williams hinting she has no immediate plans to retire, despite being a year older than her sister. Her most recent appearance at the US Open ended in a first-round defeat to 11th seed Karolina Muchova, yet she maintains a spirit that has defined her career for nearly three decades.
In a sport where superstition sometimes runs as strong as skill, the sisters’ playful comments serve as a reminder of the peculiar narratives that often encircle greatness — and how belief, in all its forms, shapes our perceptions of champions.
