Serena Williams says Meghan Markle ‘couldn’t be a better friend’ following Wimbledon visit criticism

Serena Williams has defended the Duchess of Sussex following criticism of the royal’s appearance at the Wimbledon Championship, saying that Meghan “couldn’t be a better friend”.

During her post-match interview following her mixed doubles defeat with tennis champion Andy Murray on Thursday, the 23-time Gram Slam winner was asked about Meghan’s appearance at the tennis competition last week.

On 4 July, the duchess sat in the royal box in Centre Court to watch Williams play in her second-round match against tennis player Kaja Juvan.

Following her visit, the 37-year-old was criticised in the media after claims emerged that one of her security guards had asked Sally Jones, a media consultant, not to photograph the royal during the event because she was attending in a “private capacity”.

In light of the news, Williams told reporters that she wasn’t aware “there was negative media out there” relating to Meghan’s appearance at her match.

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"Any time I see her name attached to anything, I don't read it,” she added.

"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."

Williams, who attended Meghan’s royal wedding to the Duke of Sussex in May last year with her husband Alexis Ohanian, previously said that she was “happy” that her friend came to watch her play.

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When asked if she knew her fellow American was in the crowd during a press conference after winning her second round match, the tennis star said: “Yes I knew she was there, it’s always exciting when she comes out to watch and support the tennis.

"I was happy."

Williams, who recently received praise for posing in unretouched photos for Harper’s Bazaar US, was unable to attend the royal couple’s son, Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor’s christening last Saturday due to “work” obligations.

Ahead of the baptism, Williams said that Meghan “understands work” and that perhaps her daughter, Olympia Alexis Ohanian, could give tennis advice to Archie one day.

“I’m actually working on Olympia’s game so maybe she can give tips to him,” the athlete told reporters.

Earlier this week, Piers Morgan faced backlash for joking that Meghan should “go back to America” to obtain the privacy she desires.

Morgan, who has been critical of Meghan in the past, pointed out that she and Prince Harry are “not private people” and argued that by attending a public event such as Wimbledon, the couple open themselves up to the public.

“It’s not a private place,” Morgan added. “If you want to go to a private place, don’t go to the Royal Box at Wimbledon.”

The 54-year-old presenter continued: “Honestly, it’s a complete joke. You’ve got to work out what you want to be – do you want to be public or private?

“If you go to Wimbledon in your free tickets in the Royal Box, the best seats in the house for nothing, and you take your two bezzies... you’re public people.

“If you want to be private, go back to America and live privately.”

While some viewers agreed with Morgan’s stance, many accused him of being “unhealthily obsessed” with Meghan and accused him of unfairly criticising her.