Serena Williams, the legendary tennis star, recently appeared on the popular YouTube show Hot Ones and shared a humorous story from her early career.
She recounted attempting to deposit her first $1 million in tennis winnings at a drive-thru ATM, only to be informed by the teller that she needed to come inside.
Williams, who retired from tennis in September 2022, emphasized that her motivation was never about the money but rather her passion for the sport and the thrill of victory. She confessed to sometimes forgetting about prize money from tournaments she didn’t win, focusing instead on honing her skills.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s anecdote serves as a charming reflection on her ascent as a rising star in tennis, where her love for the game eclipsed financial considerations.
Now a mother of two, Williams revealed to PEOPLE at the Tribeca Film Festival how she channels her competitive drive into being the best mother possible and supporting her beauty brand, Wyn, which prioritizes empowering women and people of color.
Fans eager to delve deeper into Williams’ illustrious career can tune into the docuseries In the Arena: Serena Williams, streaming on ESPN+ starting July 10.