In a pre-registered experiment (n=40), we investigated the influence of episodic retrieval of response-response bindings on implicit sequence learning. In a serial reaction time task (SRTT), each of three spatial stimulus positions was followed either by a high (80%) or a low (20%) probability stimulus position. Immediate repetitions of stimulus positions were not possible. Replicating standard sequence learning effects, responses in the highly probable sequences were faster and less error-prone than in the low probability sequences. Effects of sequence learning in the SRTT, however, are confounded with recent occurrences of sequences: In a high (low) probability sequence, the most recent previous occurrence of the initial stimulus of this sequence is followed by the same (a different) stimulus as the current test stimulus in 80% of the trials. Supporting the role of episodic retrieval in sequence learning, we found strong evidence for a retrieval of response-response sequences in accordance with the law of recency (Giesen et al., 2020). The effect of sequence learning was reduced but not eliminated after controlling for an episodic retrieval of response-response sequences. Residual effects of sequence learning – after controlling for episodic retrieval – were stronger for sequences that were correctly identified at the end of the experiment, but were still present also for trials without contingency awareness.