Serena Williams is back to entertain all of us once again! However, this time it’s not with a racquet in her hand but with a microphone. The news of her taking center stage at the ESPY Awards ceremony as a host has sent ripples of excitement across the industry. And this infectious energy in her aura has reached her childhood friend, Andy Roddick, as well!


During the podcast called The Tennis Channel Live Podcast, Andy Roddick, who has been best friends with Williams since 8 years old, didn’t mince words as he expressed his confidence in Serena Williams’ debut role as a host.

“One thing I know for sure is that there’s not going to be a lack of preparation. If she agrees to do something like this, the work will be put into learning this trade. She’s not just going to show up and wing it,” explained Roddick, highlighting Williams’ dedication to her work.

The retired ATP star further showed his enthusiasm by confessing that although he has skipped the ceremony in the past, the allure of Serena Williams’ involvement in the ceremony is enough for him to watch it this year. “I was someone who probably wouldn’t have watched and now there’s no chance I’m not watching. The G.O.A.T is ready. I’m gonna tune in. I can’t wait to see it.”

Like Roddick, we are all waiting to see the 23-Grand Slam Champion host this prestigious event on July 11. The event, which celebrates the best of sports through its awards, has had many athletes as its hosts throughout its 30-year-long history.

However, following the footsteps of Stephen Curry, Lance Armstrong, LeBron James, and many others, this will be the eighth time that an athlete is hosting the ceremony. Not only that, Serena Williams, who has 12 ESPYs to her name, will be the 4th woman in history to host the Awards show. And Williams herself cannot contain her enthusiasm either.

Serena Williams “couldn’t be more excited” to make her debut as a host

Following her retirement after the 2022 U.S. Open, Serena Williams has enjoyed her time off the court through various activities. Be it launching her own makeup line (WYN Beauty) or focusing on ventures that invest in women of different colors and backgrounds, Williams has always been vocal about her goals post-retirement. However, for now, she can tick one of them off her long list.

Showcasing her thrill to host the ceremony, Williams admitted, “I couldn’t be more excited to host The ESPYS.This is a dream come true for me, and something I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember. It has been a sensational year for sports and an unprecedented one for female athletes. I can’t wait to celebrate everyone on-stage in July,”

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As we all count down the days before the event begins, one thing is certain: Serena Williams is sure to deliver a performance that will definitely cement her status as a true icon of our time.