World number one tennis star Serena Williams is reportedly determined to keep her relationship with rapper Drake away from the public spotlight.

Rumours that the 33-year-old sportswoman is dating Drake surfaced when the couple were spotted kissing at a restaurant in Cincinnati last week.

According to E! News, Williams's friends have given their approval of the relationship, and the American tennis star will try to keep her union with Drake as private as possible.

Williams is gearing up for next week's US Open at Flushing Meadows, where she could claim a calendar Grand Slam following successes at the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon.