Exclusive: Jamie Foxx Publicly Serenading Serena Williams: A Legendary ESPYs Moment…Read More

In the annals of awards show history, few moments stand out as boldly or as hilariously as Jamie Foxx serenading Serena Williams at the ESPY Awards.

The multi-talented actor, comedian, and singer hosted the ESPYs in 2003 and 2004, delivering performances that remain etched in pop culture memory.

His over-the-top musical tributes to tennis legend Serena Williams—particularly the song “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?”—combined humor, charm, and a touch of risqué flair, creating a spectacle that captivated audiences and sparked conversations for years to come.

The Backdrop: Jamie Foxx at the Helm of the ESPYs
By the early 2000s, Jamie Foxx had already established himself as a versatile entertainer. Known for his comedic roots on In Living Color and his starring role in The Jamie Foxx Show, he was on the cusp of major cinematic success with films like Collateral and Ray (the latter earning him an Oscar in 2005).

Hosting the ESPYs—an annual ESPN awards show celebrating athletic achievement—offered Foxx a platform to showcase his charisma and musical prowess to a sports-loving audience.

Serena Williams, meanwhile, was at the height of her dominance in tennis. By 2003, she had secured nine Grand Slam singles titles, including a “Serena Slam” (winning four consecutive majors across 2002-2003).

Her athletic prowess and larger-than-life personality made her a natural target for Foxx’s playful admiration when she won the ESPY for Best Female Tennis Player in both years.

2003: The Debut of “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?”
The first serenade took place during the 11th Annual ESPY Awards on July 16, 2003, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood. As host, Foxx seized the opportunity to pay tribute to Williams in a way only he could: through song.

Dressed in his signature sharp style, he launched into “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?”—a humorous R&B-infused number laced with tennis puns like “15-love, 30-40 love, advantage you, ’til you get to deuce.” The lyrics were cheeky and suggestive, with Foxx crooning about wanting to be “bounced around” by the tennis star.

Williams, seated in the audience, reacted with a mix of amusement and mild embarrassment, her infectious laugh echoing through the venue. The crowd—including celebrities like Tom Cruise, who was spotted laughing hysterically—ate it up.

The performance was spontaneous yet polished, a testament to Foxx’s ability to blend improvisation with showmanship. For many, it was a highlight of the night, overshadowing even the awards themselves.

2004: Raising the Stakes with a Giant Tennis Ball
Unwilling to rest on his laurels, Foxx returned as host for the 12th Annual ESPY Awards on July 14, 2004, and took the serenade to another level.

This time, he upped the production value, rolling onto the stage inside a giant inflatable tennis ball, flanked by backup singers. The song evolved into a full-on theatrical number, complete with choreography and a grand finale where Foxx invited Williams onstage.

The pair shared a playful moment, with Foxx’s antics pushing the boundaries of family-friendly television—prompting some to later suggest that parts of the performance might have needed editing.

Williams, once again honored as Best Female Tennis Player, embraced the moment with grace and humor. Backstage, she told the Chicago Tribune, “Jamie Foxx is hilarious. He’s a great guy, and he’s a great character and a great spirit.

I think he’s just an amazing actor. He’s just a great person, and I’ve had the opportunity to hang out with him away from everything.

I love Jamie.” When pressed on whether the performance went too far, she added, “Jamie’s great and maybe a little bit of it needs to be edited, but it doesn’t matter to me. I know him, and I know what’s in his heart.”

Fellow ESPY winner Andy Roddick, who took home Best Male Tennis Player that year, also chimed in, saying, “I was laughing, I’m sorry.

I don’t know if she was embarrassed or not, but that was funny!” He noted the lighthearted atmosphere of the ESPYs made it the perfect venue for such a stunt.

Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy
Foxx’s serenades were more than just comedic interludes; they reflected a cultural moment when sports and entertainment were increasingly intertwined.

The early 2000s saw a rise in celebrity crossovers, with athletes like Williams becoming household names beyond their fields. Foxx’s performances tapped into this zeitgeist, blending admiration for Williams’ athletic achievements with a playful nod to her status as a pop culture icon.

The moments went viral in the pre-social media era, with clips circulating on YouTube and later resurfacing on platforms like Twitter (now X) and Instagram.

Fans and commentators have revisited the serenades over the years, often praising Foxx’s boldness and Williams’ good-natured response.

In 2012, Williams herself recalled the 2003 performance as one of her most memorable ESPY moments during an ESPN interview, saying, “Obviously, the Jamie Foxx ‘Can I be your tennis ball?’ song really sticks out to me.”

The serenades also sparked speculation about Foxx and Williams’ offstage relationship. While the two have never confirmed anything romantic, their chemistry—highlighted by Foxx’s public praise and Williams’ warm responses—fueled rumors.

In 2022, Foxx posted a throwback clip of the serenade on Instagram after Williams’ retirement from tennis, captioning it “Epic moment!!” and reinforcing their longstanding mutual respect.

Reflections and Modern Context
In the years since, the performances have been both celebrated and scrutinized. Some fans laud them as a masterclass in entertainment, with posts on X calling Foxx “one of the all-time greats” for his ESPY hosting stints.

Others, reflecting on a post-#MeToo lens, have questioned whether such a suggestive act would fly today. A 2018 thread on Lipstick Alley debated this, with one user noting, “Still hilarious but I do wonder how it would be received if he did this today?”

Williams’ return to the ESPYs as host in 2024—two decades after Foxx’s serenades—brought the moment full circle. Now a retired tennis legend with 23 Grand Slam titles, she delivered a witty and poised performance, proving her star power endures. The event prompted fans to recirculate the old clips, cementing their status as ESPY folklore.

Jamie Foxx serenading Serena Williams at the 2003 and 2004 ESPY Awards remains a standout chapter in both their careers. It was a collision of talent, humor, and charisma—Foxx’s boundless energy meeting Williams’ unshakable cool.

For fans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of a time when awards shows could be unpredictable and unscripted, driven by personalities willing to take risks.

As Foxx and Williams continue to shine in their respective fields, these moments endure as a testament to their ability to entertain, inspire, and leave an indelible mark on pop culture.