The entire sports world rose in gratitude as one of the most legendary athletes might have walked their last steps on the court. After a dominant career in tennis, Serena Williams lost in the third round of the US Open, bringing down the curtain on the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

Likewise, the NBA came to salute the prolific tennis star for an illustrious run on the court. As one of the most successful players of all time, Williams broke the boundaries of gender. Players such as LeBron James, James Harden, and Trae Young deemed her the GOAT. With a career that spanned over four decades, Williams arguably goes down as one of the most influential athletes of all time.

There was also a time she might have helped out a former teammate of Stephen Curry. Notably while being a relationship with the tennis icon, Corey Maggette had one of his most lethal runs in the NBA.

Serena Williams didn’t just make herself better

Maggette played in the NBA for 14 seasons. He played with Stephen Curry for two years during a brief run with the Golden State Warriors. The NBA veteran probably goes down as one of the best players to miss out on an All-Star honor. Known for his scoring excellence with the Los Angeles Clippers, the NBA star was in a relationship with Williams sometime around 2003.

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At the time, a young Serena Williams had already established herself as the next best thing in tennis. Coming in as the number one tennis player in the world, she was in the prime of her career which would last nearly two decades. On the other hand, Maggette was making his name as one of the better scoring guards in the NBA.

He averaged over 20 points per game for the first time that season. However, following their split in 2004, Maggette put up his best showing in his 14-year career, averaging 22.2 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.

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The Warriors star went on to become an analyst with FOX Sports after his retirement. While Williams left the court as undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players of all time.