Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to host the 2024 ESPYs on July 11, according to a release from ESPN.
It was noted that Williams will take on the role as host of ESPN’s annual awards show one day after the premiere of the first episode of the eight-part documentary series In the Arena: Serena Williams.
“I couldn’t be more excited to host The ESPYS,” Williams said in the release. “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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This will be the eighth time in the 30-year history of the ESPYs that it is hosted by an athlete. Williams is following Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, who hosted the show in 2022. Lance Armstrong was the first to do so in 2006, and LeBron James co-hosted with Jimmy Kimmel the following year. John Cena, Peyton Manning and Danica Patrick took on the role in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. In 2020, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe and Russell Wilson teamed up to host the show.
The eight-part documentary for Williams was originally announced a year ago. The release said the series “provides the most complete, intimate, and compelling account of her legendary career, featuring firsthand perspective from Williams and key figures throughout her life.”
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A 23-time Grand Slam champion, Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players and greatest athletes of all time regardless of gender. She has also been an avid advocate for gender equality and other social causes like Black maternal health advocacy and racial equality.
Williams has enjoyed her retirement following the 2022 US Open, embarking on multiple entrepreneurial efforts. Fans will certainly be excited to see her take center stage when she hosts the ESPYs this summer.
