Black Tennis Pros

Although spring sprung rumors that Serena Williams and the rapper Common were an item, the tennis champ plays it coy when pressed for comment on the relationship.

"I think he's a great guy," Williams, 26, tells Ebony for its July issue.

"He's obviously a great artist who is timeless and classic. You can't beat that. But I have to focus on tennis because that's my goal in life."

Due to compete this summer in the Beijing Olympics, where she hopes to reclaim her title as the world's No. 1-ranked female player with the upcoming Grand Slam events – the French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon tournaments – Williams has also bought a home in Paris and is trying to learn French.

Beyond that, she says, her hot-weather plans include seeing the screen drama Wanted, based on the comic book and starring Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman and Common – whose very name brings a smile to Williams's face.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing that film," she says.