Before she lit up the hardwood and became one of basketball’s most electrifying stars, Caitlin Clark once had a tennis racket in hand and a dream of becoming the next Serena Williams.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, the Indiana Fever phenom opened up about her earliest sports inspiration—and the surreal moment when Serena herself showed love to Clark for how she’s handled the rockstar treatment that’s followed her rookie year in the WNBA. The shoutout hit home for Clark, who didn’t hesitate when asked about her GOAT.
“She’s my favorite athlete of all time,” Clark said. “I thought her career was incredible.”
And believe it or not, young Caitlin actually gave tennis a shot—until her confidence got her kicked out of class.
“I got kicked out of tennis class when I was 10,” she recalled with a laugh. “I told my coach what he was teaching was too easy.”
The tennis career may have been short-lived, but the impact Serena had on her was lasting. It’s another reminder of how one icon can shape the next generation—even across different sports. While Clark won’t be trading her basketball sneakers for a shot at the U.S. Open anytime soon, her rise is already drawing comparisons to the kind of crossover cultural influence Serena mastered.
Caitlin Clark Outsells LeBron and MJ? Believe It.
If you still need a reminder that Caitlin Clark is that girl, check the receipts.
According to Sports Illustrated , Fanatics’ jersey sales data from September to November show Clark outselling some of the biggest names in the game, including Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Victor Wembanyama, and even King LeBron James. And yes, she even moved more jerseys than Michael Jordan. That’s not just hype—that’s history.
Clark’s courtside appearance at Game 1 of the Indiana Pacers’ playoff series only added fuel to the fire, with fans buzzing just as much about her as the final score.
With more national TV games and her sophomore WNBA season on deck, Caitlin Clark Mania is only gaining steam. And just like her idol Serena, she’s not just playing the game—she’s changing it.
