Serena Williams recalls trying to deposit $1 million check at drive-thru ATM

Serena Williams, the iconic tennis star, recently appeared on the popular YouTube show Hot Ones and shared a hilarious anecdote from her early career. She recalled trying to deposit her first $1 million tennis winnings at a drive-thru ATM, only to be told by the teller that she needed to come inside.

Williams, who retired from tennis in September 2022, explained that she never played for the money, but rather for the love of the sport and the thrill of winning. She admitted to forgetting about prize money from tournaments she didn't win, focusing instead on improving her game.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion's story is a lighthearted reminder of her early days as a rising star in the tennis world, when her passion for the game outweighed her financial concerns.

Now a mother of two, Williams shared with PEOPLE at the Tribeca Film Festival how she channels her competitive spirit into being the best mom she can be and supporting her beauty brand Wyn, which focuses on investing in women and people of color.

Fans can catch a glimpse into Williams' extraordinary career in the docuseries In the Arena: Serena Williams, available to stream on ESPN+ starting July 10.