ACE MATE
Serena Williams praises ‘great friend’ Meghan Markle who she credits for being ‘positive no matter what’
SERENA Williams has praised her “great friend” Meghan Markle who turned out to support her at Wimbledon on Saturday.
According to the tennis ace spoke of her friendship with the Duchess of Sussex following her defeat against Simona Halep in the Ladies Final yesterday which Meghan attended alongside Kate Middleton.
5
Speaking at a press conference she said: “She’s such a great friend and a great person as well. And always positive, no matter what.
“It’s so good to have people like that, just to know. (She’s) such a fan of the sport.”
Speaking of Halep’s win Serena added that the Duchess had been gracious about it.
The champ continued: “She too is happy for Simona. She saw that she played unbelievably, and that’s just the kind of person that she is.”
It comes just days after Williams spoke out in defence of Meghan following her disastrous trip to see her play earlier on in the week.
5
Meghan made a surprise trip to the courts, where 23-time grand slam winner Serena was playing against Kaja Juvan.
The new mum is said to have asked royal protection officers to order people not to take photos of her, as she was there “in a private capacity”.
An official organising Meghan’s visit claimed it had been difficult, telling : “It was a nightmare, she was a nightmare.”
An All England Club source explained that Meghan had wanted to watch the tennis “incognito, but there were problems.”
5
5
They said: “They couldn’t invite her into the Royal Box because she was wearing jeans but that didn’t really matter because all she wanted to do was come and watch Serena."
A man was seemingly scolded by her bodyguard for trying to take a snap of her, but it emerged he was just taking a selfie with the court in the background.
Following her semi-final victory against Barbora Strycova, Serena was quizzed over the backlash her friend received.
In a post-match interview, Serena was asked about the 37-year-old’s disastrous appearance.
She said: "You know, I didn't know there was negative media out there.
"Any time I see her name attached to anything, I don't read it.
5
"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."
Serena, also 37, previously said she was “happy” her close friend came to watch her.
Asked if she knew her fellow American was in the crowd, she said: “Yes I knew she was there, it’s always exciting when she comes out to watch and support the tennis.
"I was happy."
Serena, mum to Alexis Olympia Ohanian, missed Archie’s christening because of “work”, adding that “Meghan understands work”, as she had to rule herself out of being a godparent to the tot.
The tennis champ was among the celebrities who turned out in force for Meghan’s five-day baby shower in New York.
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
Serena was on the coveted guest-list for the exclusive bash at The Mark Hotel, which cost £300,000, with Amal Clooney and Abigail Spencer among attendees.
And she also attended Meghan and Prince Harry's wedding last May, along with her husband, Alexis Ohanian.
In other royal news, we told you that the Queen never reveals her favourite meal to avoid getting served it constantly.
And Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle "wanted to appear friendly" at Wimbledon as Kate attempted to include Meghan "for the first time since she married Prince Harry".
Meghan Markle & Kate Middleton look to have put feud to one side as they’re joined by Pippa in Royal box for Serena’s in Ladies’ final
Topics