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"She's the strongest person I know": Serena Williams on Meghan Markle

“I just really think she’s literally the strongest person I know and the nicest, sweetest.”

Serena Williams and Meghan Markle

Serena Williams has opened up about her friendship with Meghan Markle. Source: Getty Images

Tennis champion Serena Williams has praised Meghan Markle for being an "amazing" friend who takes time out to support her, once even flying out to see her play with a newborn in tow. 

Speaking to during a press campaign for her new jewelry line, Williams said of Markle: “I’m not sure many people can relate on that level - I don’t think I can.”

“I just really think she’s literally the strongest person I know and the nicest, sweetest,” she added.

“She flew all the way with a newborn to see me play in New York and flew all the way back that night, and I probably couldn’t have done that."
Williams continued, saying that the Duchess of Sussex, who has spoken out on the toll of being in public eye, always takes the time to be a source of support for her.

"That kind of goes to show you what an amazing person that she is. And that’s just one of the many things that she does for me. I call her, text her anytime crying, upset, she’s always there and doesn’t matter what she’s going through, she just sets time away, and she’s just so amazing.”

Williams went on to reflect on her own career, saying it can be challenging to put aside work commitments to be there for those you care about. 

“I’m always so focused [on] my career, I never take out that time,” she said.

“And if I do, I’m sure that other women who are doing far more than I’m doing tend to forget about themselves. And so, we’ve got to remember ourselves...It’s like, love yourself - but it’s easier said than done.”

It's then perhaps unsurprising that the pair have formed a close friendship. Not only are they two of the most famous women in the world, they've each faced  that comes with being a high profile woman of colour in the public eye.

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Published 13 November 2019 11:33am
By Samuel Leighton-Dore


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