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Meghan Markle’s Friendship with Serena Williams: A Closer Look at the Dynamics
In a world where friendships among celebrities often spark intrigue, the relationship between Meghan Markle and Serena Williams stands out.
While they are frequently seen together, the reality behind their bond is more complex than it appears.
The two women, both prominent figures in their respective fields, have navigated a friendship that has raised eyebrows and stirred gossip.
Back in September 2019, Meghan made headlines when she traveled to New York City specifically to cheer on Serena at the U.S. Open Championship.
This gesture seemed supportive on the surface, but the atmosphere during the match suggested otherwise.
Serena's mother, Oracene Price, notably ignored Meghan throughout the event, leading to speculation about underlying tensions.
Rumors swirled around the nature of Meghan and Serena's relationship, particularly regarding a supposed flirtation between Meghan and Serena's husband, Alexis Ohanian.
Observers noted that Oracene's cold demeanor toward Meghan was palpable, as she deliberately avoided eye contact and interaction, leaving Meghan visibly uncomfortable.
Prior to Meghan's marriage to Prince Harry, her public interactions with Serena were limited.
The most notable moment was a photograph taken at a charity flag football game, which many believe Meghan leveraged to enhance her social standing.
Given that both women are represented by the same public relations firm, Sunshine Sachs, some critics argue that their friendship is more strategic than genuine.
The dynamics of Meghan's social circle have often been scrutinized, particularly her desire to align herself with high-profile friends like Serena.
Critics suggest that Meghan has sought to embrace her black identity for branding purposes, especially after marrying into the British royal family.
This perspective gained traction when Serena publicly defended Meghan against accusations of racism, further complicating their friendship narrative.
The timing of Meghan's visit to the U.S. Open raised eyebrows, with speculation that she was angling for a role as a patron of the event—something that doesn't exist in the U.S. context.
This led to claims that Meghan was using her friendship with Serena for public relations gains, a notion that did not sit well with some of Serena's team.
In the realm of professional sports, particularly women's tennis, mental focus and stability are crucial for success.
Many believe that Meghan's presence at the U.S. Open disrupted Serena's concentration, although evidence supporting this claim remains anecdotal.
After the match, media coverage of their friendship dwindled, suggesting that the dynamic was shifting.
While Meghan may have needed Serena's star power, the tennis champion has consistently prioritized her own career and personal life.
Serena has maintained a relatively low profile since the release of the book “Revenge,” which detailed aspects of Meghan's life, indicating she is selective about the drama she engages in.
Recently, however, Serena reaffirmed her friendship with Meghan during an interview with Vogue.
Appearing on the cover of the magazine's September issue, she shared fond memories, including her iconic Versace dress at Meghan and Harry's wedding.
Serena reminisced about the experience, highlighting the effort that went into her hairstyle for the occasion.
“I love this image from the royal wedding,” Serena said.