Drake & Serena Williams Dating 2015: 'Views from the 6' Rapper 'Always Had a Huge Crush' on Tennis Star

It seems that Drake and Serena Williams are taking their friendship to the next level.

According to TMZ, the couple was spotted kissing in Sotto Restaurant's private back room in downtown Cincinnati on Aug. 23 -- just hours after Williams won the Women's Tennis Association tournament.

The Toronto emcee and the tennis star reportedly could not keep their hands off each other, while they were joined by six pals at the dinner table.

"Things are heating up with the duo, and all of Serena's friends approve of the pair," a source revealed to E! Online, while complimenting Drizzy, saying he is "a true gentleman and is very supportive."

The two are supposedly trying to keep their relationship on the down low, as another source claimed: "They are both private people when it comes to their personal lives."

A budding romance between the "Views from the 6" rapper and the athlete may have been inevitable.

"Drake has always had a huge crush on Serena, so he is on cloud nine and will continue to court her as much as he can," the source said.

The feeling is mutual, as the source added, "Drake is very much Serena's type as well. She is a big fan of him and his music."

Hollywood Life recently reported that Drake has been wanting to date Williams for a while, however the timing has always been "off."

"Serena and Drake have been on a slow burn for a few months now," an insider divulged. "They have known each other for years, and there has always been a spark but the timing was off."

The insider also revealed the "10 bands" rapper has been asking the tennis player out, however "Serena never seriously thought Drake was interested in her like that though. He's such a player and a flirt, she thought he was just playing games."

"But when he really started pursuing her, she thought, 'Why Not?'" the insider added. "Serena is concerned that Drake is only after her to get another notch on his belt. But she's throwing caution into the wind."

The pair's recent makeout session is certainly not the first time they have been romantically linked, as Drake was seen cheering on his rumored girlfriend and making out with her at Wimbledon in July.