Serena Williams, the iconic tennis star, shared a humorous yet insightful anecdote about her early career during an episode of Hot Ones on Thursday, July 4. Reflecting on her financial milestone, Williams confirmed to host Sean Evans that she once attempted to deposit a $1 million check from her tennis winnings at a drive-thru ATM.
“I never really spent a lot of money. I was just so serious. I don’t know what happened to me. I used to be serious,” Williams recounted. She humorously described the encounter: “So I just went to the drive-through, and the guy was like, ‘Uh, I think you need to come inside for this.'”
The incident, she noted, served as one of life’s valuable “lessons to learn,” highlighting the contrast between her intense focus on tennis and navigating financial transactions.
Throughout the interview, which featured Williams and Evans sampling progressively spicier chicken wings, the tennis legend also delved into her early motivations in the sport. “I never played for money. I played because I loved the sport. I wanted to be the best. I wanted to win,” she shared passionately.
Williams candidly revealed how she approached her winnings, often forgetting to collect prize money amidst her drive to excel on the court. “My tax guy, he would be like, ‘You didn’t get your money,’ and I was like, ‘You didn’t get your money,’” she recalled, emphasizing her single-minded focus on improving and winning.
While Williams has retired professionally from tennis, her influence and presence in sports continue. She will take the stage as the host of the 2024 ESPYs, joining a select group of women who have held this prestigious role. Her upcoming hosting duties reflect a lifelong dream and a desire to celebrate the achievements of athletes, especially women in sports.
“I couldn’t be more excited to host the ESPYs,” Williams expressed in a statement earlier this year. “This is a dream come true for me and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember.”
Serena Williams’ journey from drive-thru ATM incidents to hosting the ESPYs underscores her enduring impact on and off the tennis court, inspiring generations with her passion, determination, and humor.
