Serena Williams leaves fans puzzled following joke about relationship to college football player

WTA legend Serena Williams was the centre of some controversy following her remarks about a college football player who shares her last name, leading fans to ponder if she was related to the athlete.

Ryan Williams, a 17-year-old wide receiver for the Alabama Crimson Tide, went viral over the weekend after scoring a sensational 75-yard touchdown in their victory over the Georgia Bulldogs. ESPN's Sportscenter would upload a clip of the play to their official social media account, prompting several fans and celebrities to comment on the play.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion was one of the millions who viewed the clip, and proceeded to compliment the young man in a fashion that suggested familial ties.

"Honestly this is pretty impressive from my 17year old cousin ha go Cuz!'" wrote Williams after sharing the clip on social media.

Several of Williams's fans were left confused at the statement, with many not catching on that the former World No.1 was in fact joking.

"Wait what?!?" wrote an incredulous user.

"THAT’S YOUR COUSIN?!?!?! So your whole bloodline are exceptional athletes," said another.

"Ain’t heard her endorse this man or say a peep ever before this," wrote another suspicious user.

"cousin cousin or Cousin Cousin," asked another fan.

However, others were quick to catch onto the joke.

"Ha, everyone knows y’all not related. But ok funny," wrote a more observant fan.

"Lord help us all with how many think she is being serious here," expressed another fan.