Serena Williams credits Meghan Markle for flying across the world to see her play tennis

Meghan Markle is #friendshipgoals. That is according to bestie Serena Williams, who recently spoke about the private side of Markle that people don’t often see. During a recent interview, Williams opened up about what it’s like to be friends with the Duchess of Sussex, which sounds like a relationship built on support and love. It’s like Broad City meets Downton Abbey. Fronds to the ond.Williams spoke to Access Hollywood this weekend and was asked about the female friends in her life who inspire the tennis star. When the subject about whether she can relate to Markle and the unrelenting level of media scrutiny around the Duchess was brought up, Williams was quick to point out that her friend is in a unique position. “I’m not sure many people can relate on that level. I don’t think I can,” said Williams. “I think she’s literally the strongest person I know and the nicest and sweetest.”Giving an example of what it’s like to be part of Markle’s inner circle, Williams touched on Markle’s decision to fly from England to the US in September to cheer the tennis star on during the US Open, a move that drew criticism from people who mom-shamed Markle for taking a few hours away from son Archie. This is why women need good friends.[caption id="attachment_4616796" align="alignleft" width="960"] Getty Images[/caption]“She flew all the way with a newborn to see me play in New York and flew all the way back that night,” said Williams. “I probably couldn’t have done that. That just 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.”Although Markle has gone from an actor on Suits to a member of the Royal Family during her friendship with Williams, the athlete says she can still rely on her longtime friend for unconditional support. “I call her, text anytime, crying and upset and she’s always there. It doesn’t matter what she’s going through, she just sets time away and she’s so amazing.”In addition to flying across the pond to cheer on a match, Meghan has shown her love for Serena in many ways, including wearing pieces from Williams’ fashion line.

 

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The face you make when you and Duchess of Sussex Meghan have matching @serena blazers ? #BeSeenBeHeard Link in bio to shop the collection!

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Oct 16, 2018 at 5:51pm PDT

Williams too has shown her support publicly for Markle, both before and after becoming a Duchess. Following the release of Meghan’s cookbook Together: Our Community Cookbook, Serena shared an emotional message on Instagram. “I used to call you Meghan (and I still do) but dear Duchess of Sussex your first project “Together” a cookbook bringing women of all cultures together. I could not be more excited about it and proud of you,” wrote Williams. “It’s beautiful - diversity, inclusivity, coming together in grief or joy - there is just so much love.”

 

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I used to call you Meghan (and I still do) but dear Duchess of Sussex your first project “Together” a cookbook bringing women of all cultures together. I could not be more excited about it and proud of you. It’s beautiful - diversity, inclusivity, coming together in grief or joy - there is just so much love. Link in bio to learn more, and how you can get a copy!

A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on Sep 17, 2018 at 5:45am PDT

Williams was part of the small group of Americans invited to Meghan and Prince Harry’s 2018 wedding, which she attended with husband Alexis Ohanian.

 

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A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) on May 19, 2018 at 2:32am PDT

Although Williams and Markle aren’t often seen together, their friendship behind closed doors remains strong. Earlier this year, Williams was instrumental in planning Markle’s baby shower for son Archie, helping to arrange the uber-private affair in New York.Markle traveled to NYC in February for the shower, which included 15 of her closest friends. Williams co-hosted the shower at the prestigious Mark Hotel, telling the Business of Fashion, “Planning something like that takes a lot of effort. I’m a perfectionist, so I’m like, ‘Let’s make it perfect.” Considering Markle’s effort to see Williams play at the US Open this year, it sounds like the shower must have been pretty close to perfect.[video_embed id='-1']Meghan Markle shares her secret to being happy[/video_embed]