Time flies—but some things just stay the same, right? That seems to be the case for Serena Williams. The tennis icon surprised everyone during Kendrick Lamar’s electrifying Super Bowl 2025 halftime show at Caesars Superdome, busting out some epic dance moves on stage. If this sounds familiar, it should. Serena pulled off a similar routine back in 2012, but instead of applause, she got hit with a wave of criticism. Fast forward to 2025, and guess what? The critics are still at it. But here’s where it gets interesting—because Alexis Ohanian isn’t having it. 

This seemingly reminded Ohanian of the 2012 controversy when renowned journalist Jason Whitlock heavily criticized the 23-time Grand Slam champion for performing Crip Walk after winning the Olympic Gold in London. Slamming Williams back then, Whitlock remarked that she “deserved to be criticized, and she should have apologized immediately.” He also claimed that Serena’s performance “was akin to cracking a tasteless X-rated joke inside a church.” But for Ohanian, there can not be a better time than this to clap back at his wife’s critics. 

Taking to X, Ohanian shared an excerpt of Whitlock’s quotes and highlighted how badly was the tennis great criticized back then. “Some of y’all have no idea how criticized Serena was for this same dance at Wimbledon 13 years ago and it shows…. This is bigger than the music,” he wrote.

To drive his point home, he also attached a clip of Samuel L. Jackson scolding Kendrick Lamar and his dances by saying, “Too loud, too reckless — too ghetto! Mr. Lamar, do you really know how to play the game? Then tighten up!” 

Notably, Ohanian’s comments come at a time when Williams is subjected to similar backlash after her latest Super Bowl performance. 

Commenting on Serena Williams’ latest performance, NBA Analyst Stephen A. Smith took a dig at the tennis great and said, “If I’m married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his a–. ‘Cause clearly you don’t belong with me. What you worried about him for and you’re with me? Bye. Bye.” The root of his comments is associated with Serena’s alleged relationship with Drake in 2011, which was officially not confirmed by any of them. What makes the entire scenario more interesting is the fact that Williams’ decided to perform on Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”—a diss track aimed at Drake that highlights the ongoing Lamar-Drake feud. 

Last month, Drake sued his own record label, Universal Music Group, charging them with defamation over the song “Not Like Us.” But amidst the controversy, Ohanian has thoroughly stepped up and has defended his wife throughout. However, Williams’ latest performance is not just about chaos and controversy. It also drew immense love from many in the tennis community, including the likes of Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff. So, what did they say?

Tennis world swoons over Serena Williams’ Super Bowl performance

Serena Williams has a deep admiration for Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us.’ For the unversed, she performed on this track while hosting the 2024 ESPY Awards as well and is back at it again. However, her performance was not anticipated by anyone and when she performed it, the tennis world was all praises for the legend of the sport. 

Commenting on Williams’ performance, her elder sister Venus Williams expressed her surprise and wrote, “You did that!!! 💙✨ @serenawilliams.” Similar reactions came from Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, who have often considered Williams as their inspiration. “Serena is the 🐐! icon doing iconic things,” Gauff wrote, hailing the dance moves by Williams. Osaka shared a similar reaction and added, “Oh nooooo 😭😭😭,” as she revealed her surprise over Williams’ performance. 

Interestingly, even Ohanian came out to back her wife and wrote, “Pretty fantastic halftime show,” as he swooned over his wife’s iconic performance. But for now, what remains interesting to be seen is how this entire chaos unfolds. Will Ohanian’s response end the subtle digs from naysayers? Well, that remains to be seen.