A viral claim circulating online suggests that Donald Trump played tennis with Serena Williams in 2015. The claim is based on a resurfaced video showing the two on a tennis court exchanging shots. Unlike many viral claims, this one is rooted in a real event—but the context is often misunderstood.
According to Snopes, the video is authentic and was recorded in April 2015 during the افتتاح of a tennis facility at Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia.
However, the interaction between Trump and Williams was not a formal or competitive tennis match. Instead, it was a light, staged exhibition moment as part of the event’s ceremony. Reports indicate that Williams briefly rallied with Trump, and at one point allowed him to score during the exchange.
The clip resurfaced years later on social media, where it was sometimes presented without context, leading viewers to believe Trump had genuinely competed against the professional tennis champion. In reality, the moment was more akin to a promotional or ceremonial activity rather than an athletic contest.
Snopes confirmed that while the footage is real, interpretations suggesting a serious or competitive match are misleading. The event took place months before Trump announced his 2016 presidential campaign and was part of a public appearance involving Williams.
This case highlights how authentic media can still fuel misinformation when stripped of context. While Trump and Williams did share a tennis court in 2015, the nature of their interaction has been exaggerated in viral claims.
Final Verdict: Mostly True
References:
https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-serena-williams-tennis/