Serena Williams needed no lengthy warm-up to remind IShowSpeed why she is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. The 23-time Grand Slam champion took part in a serving challenge against the popular YouTuber, who was given a significant advantage in a tiebreak. Speed appeared to be cruising towards an unlikely victory, but Serena had a different ending in mind.
The format gave Williams' opponent a 6-0 lead, leaving him just two points away from winning the seven-point tiebreak. With the score heavily tilted in his favour, Speed had a genuine opportunity to claim a memorable victory against the American legend. However, the challenge quickly turned into a demonstration of Serena's competitive instincts and ability to take control when it mattered.
Speed had already shown off his own serving power, producing a delivery clocked at 76 mph. Serena then stepped up without even warming up and responded with a 108 mph serve on her first attempt. The contrast between the two deliveries provided an early indication of the challenge awaiting the YouTuber, even before the decisive points began.
What followed was even more impressive. Despite trailing 6-0, Williams won eight consecutive points to complete an 8-6 comeback, denying Speed another opportunity to score. The American turned what looked like a comfortable advantage into a comprehensive defeat, leaving the YouTuber with little chance of celebrating an upset against one of tennis' most decorated champions.
Serena makes Speed pay for his confidence
The difference in their serving power became clear almost immediately. Speed first showcased his own ability with a serve clocked at 76 mph, but Williams had a very different response when she stepped onto the court. Without even warming up, the American produced a 108 mph delivery on her first attempt, leaving a clear gap between the two.
Williams also made sure there was no confusion about who Speed was facing. After watching the YouTuber showcase his serving speed, the 23-time Grand Slam champion delivered a line that quickly became one of the highlights of their encounter.
"So you know you're Speed... I'm Serena," she told him.
The exchange captured the contrast between Speed's enthusiasm and Williams' extraordinary tennis pedigree. The YouTuber has built a huge following through viral sporting challenges and encounters with high-profile athletes, but going up against one of the greatest players in tennis history was an entirely different proposition.
Could Serena Williams play again in 2027?
The viral challenge also comes after a significant year for Williams, who returned to professional tennis in 2026 following nearly four years away from competition.
The American first came back at Queen's Club in doubles alongside Victoria Mboko before making her singles return at Wimbledon, where she lost to Maya Joint in the first round. She later appeared at the US Open, partnering Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles competition.
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Williams, who stepped away from the sport after the 2022 US Open, has not committed to a full-time return. However, she left the door open to competing in singles again after her appearance in New York, saying she would "probably" play again. She also explained that her comeback was not necessarily intended to be a permanent return to the tour.
Whether that means another appearance in 2027 remains uncertain. There is no confirmed schedule for next season, but Williams has already shown that she can still generate enormous attention whenever she picks up a racket.
And, as Speed discovered, she has certainly not lost the competitive edge that made her a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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