Serena Williams' best moments at ESPYs 2024 ft. Maria Sharapova serenade, LeBron James roast

Serena Williams hosted the 2024 ESPY Awards for the first time in her life with a memorable address. The American tennis star took a shot at LeBron James and sang praises for her long-term rival Maria Sharapova.

Williams even spoke about rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar's controversy during a segment at the Awards and was joined by sister Venus during another short segment in front of a thrilled crowd.

Serena Williams retired from professional tennis in 2022 but that has not stopped her from making headlines. Now, with another iconic debut by hosting the Awards, the American tennis superstar has stolen the limelight once again.

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Serena Williams talks about Maria Sharapova, LeBron James and Kendrick Lemar at the ESPY Awards

Serena Williams's showmanship during her hosting debut at the 2024 ESPY Awards was quite impressive. The American looked confident while delivering her skits and got more than a few laughs out of the crowd. However, her segment where she discussed rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar stole the headlines.

Drake and Lamar have been engaged in a rap battle since early 2024, releasing diss tracks against each other. In his song "Not Like Us", Lamar stood up for Williams and warned Drake against disrespecting the American. Williams and Lamar share a close bond having grown up in the same region of Compton, California.

Williams was seen dancing on the track at the Awards and addressed the Drake-Lamar controversy.

“If I’ve learned anything this year, it’s that none of us should ever pick a fight with Kendrick Lamar," Williams said.

Serena Williams also trolled Lebron James while congratulating his son Bronny after he was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers. James and his son are set to play together on the same team and Williams said that she hopes that Bronny has a long career:

“I truly hope Bronny has a long career. So long that he will see his hairline recede. Then miraculously un-recede… like dad," Serena Williams said.

In addition to this, Serena Williams sang a song about Maria Sharapova. The American titled the song 'She could be my tennis ball' and sang about their tennis rivalry. Williams cheekily added that she has beaten Sharapova twenty times during their rivalry while losing only twice.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan were also present in the audience and Williams extended her address toward them. The Royal duo have been under scrutiny for the last couple of years by media houses who keep tabs on their every move. Williams jokingly told the couple to not breathe too much or they would make the headlines again.

"Please, Meghan & Harry, try not to breathe too much tonight, I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you’re taking up too much oxygen," Williams added.

Williams further spoke briefly about Shohei Ohtani, who was robbed by his translator of $16 million. The American tennis star sarcastically highlighted the gender pay gap issue in sports, saying that she would have noticed it instantly if it happened to her.

Serena Williams' hosting debut was a huge hit on social media. The American thrilled the fans with her quirky responses and comedic timing. With her debut a huge success, Williams could be set to appear in more hosting gigs in the future.