Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam tennis champion, has recently sparked a wave of conversation across social media—not for her tennis prowess, but for the noticeable changes in her physique and a surprising new venture into basketball ownership and playful competition.
It all began in early July 2025 when Williams posted a series of gym selfies that showcased a significantly slimmer and toned figure. In one particularly striking photo from mid-July, she appeared in an all-black gym outfit, flaunting toned abs and noticeably smaller arms and thighs. This transformation immediately caught the attention of her fans and followers, leading to a flurry of comments expressing confusion and concern. Some wondered if the Serena they had known and admired for years was still the same person. Comments ranged from affectionate pleas—"Come home sis please!!!! WE love you but this ain’t it"—to more critical observations like, "Gah damn she done went full white chick on us. The queen from Compton is gone." Others speculated about the cause of her weight loss, with some citing the popular weight loss medication Ozempic. One user bluntly stated, "Ozempic. Doesn’t even look like Serena anymore," while another lamented, "Weight loss drugs again. Sad women feel the pressure."
However, this intense scrutiny seemed to simmer down after Williams shared a lighthearted video on July 23, 2025. In the clip, she was seen trying her hand at a game of Pop-A-Shot basketball in what looked like a game room. Dressed in a black Nike tank top and matching leggings, the mother of two laughed off her missed shots, captioning the video, "Mini hoops, major flop. Thank goodness I picked up a racket instead of a basketball...." Fans quickly noticed that despite the slimmer look from earlier posts, Williams appeared more like the curvy athlete they remembered in this video. Comments reflected a sense of relief and playfulness: "Serena....look...which body are we supposed to believe???" one fan asked, noting the difference between her gym photos and the new video. Another joked, "She's making sure y'all know she still draggin' that wagon!" The video also paid homage to her father, Richard Williams, with Serena writing, "Pops really understood the assignment," while cleverly incorporating the "Space Jam" theme to add a nostalgic touch.
While Williams continues to enjoy her retirement from professional tennis, she has not stepped away from the sports world entirely. In a surprising twist, the incoming WNBA franchise, the Toronto Tempo, took notice of her basketball video and extended an invitation. The team commented on her Instagram post, "We’ll hold a spot for you at training camp!!!" This playful offer highlights Williams’ ongoing influence and crossover appeal beyond tennis.
The Toronto Tempo represents a historic expansion for the WNBA, as announced in May 2024. It is the league’s first team based outside the United States, marking a significant milestone in women’s professional basketball. Williams is not just a fan or casual observer; she is an owner of the Toronto Tempo, joining the ownership group alongside Larry Tanenbaum, a prominent Canadian businessman.
Williams expressed her enthusiasm about this new chapter, stating, "I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo. This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes — I have always said that women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity. I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy." Her commitment extends beyond ownership duties; she plans to actively shape the team’s brand, including future jersey designs and unique merchandise collaborations.
Larry Tanenbaum echoed this sentiment, praising Williams as "an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world." He highlighted her relentless work ethic and determination, saying, "She’s earned every bit of her incredible success with hard work, tenacity and determination in the face of countless challenges. She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stand for – we couldn’t be more honoured to have Serena in our court."
The Toronto Tempo is slated to begin play in the WNBA’s 2026 season. Their home games will be held at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, with additional regular-season games scheduled in Montreal and Vancouver, further emphasizing the league’s commitment to expanding women’s basketball across Canada.
Williams’ recent social media activity and her new role with the Toronto Tempo underscore a fascinating evolution in her public persona. From the initial shock and speculation over her changing physique to her playful embrace of basketball culture and ownership, Serena continues to captivate and inspire. Fans have been reminded that no matter the body-shaming narratives or the shifts in her athletic focus, Serena Williams remains a unique and powerful presence in sports.
Whether she’s swinging a racket, shooting hoops (even if not quite successfully), or shaping the future of women’s basketball in Canada, Williams’ legacy is far from finished. Her journey exemplifies resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to elevating women’s sports on a global stage.
