Serena Williams Says This Is What It’s Really Like Being Friends with Meghan Markle

No matter what, Serena Williams is Meghan Markle’s friend ’til the end.

The 37-year-old 23-time Grand Slam winner was recently asked to weigh in on the whole Markle asking not to be photographed at Wimbledon situation, and her answer was that of a true pal.

Williams set the record straight and said she “Didn’t know there was negative media out there.” But it wasn’t because she doesn’t take an interest in her close friend’s whereabouts. It’s more that she tunes out the noise and focuses on their relationship.

“Any time I see her name attached to anything, I don’t read it,” Williams explained about her policy with Markle news (and as royal fans know, there’s a lot). 

And the sentiment is mutual. Williams went on to say, “She couldn’t be a better friend to me. Low moments, high moments—she’s always there. That’s all I want to be to her.”

Markle and Williams have been friends since 2014 when they met at, of all things, DirecTV’s Celebrity Beach Bowl flag football match. (Yep, before her royal days, Markle played flag football). The tennis star and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, attended the royal wedding and Williams even hosted a baby shower for Markle in New York when she was pregnant with baby Archie.

Since Williams was victorious against Barbora Strycova, she’ll now proceed to the Wimbledon finals. Kensington Palace just confirmed Markle and Kate Middleton will be there, side by side, cheering her on.

We can’t wait.