- Serena Williams said that Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle secretly traveled with newborn son Archie to attend the US Open in September.
- Several outlets marked it at the time as Markle's first solo trip since giving birth.
- Williams told Access Hollywood that the anecdote demonstrated that Markle is an "amazing" friend and one of the "strongest" and "sweetest" people she knows.
- Some fans were reportedly nervous about Markle attending Williams' matches, as her place in the stands matched up with three previous losses.
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Serena Williams said that The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, secretly brought her newborn son Archie from London to New York to watch the tennis champion compete in the US Open in September.
Williams told Access Hollywood in an interview last week that what many outlets considered to be Markle's first solo trip since giving birth in May was a sign of her "amazing" friendship with Markle.
"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 said of Markle's quick trip to watch her match.
Williams first met the now-duchess in 2010, and told the outlet that "it's really cool to have a group of friends who are doing amazing things and face the same pressures you face with being in the public eye."
The tennis star's friendship with the British royal has been in the spotlight since she attended Markle's May 2018 wedding.
Williams told Access Hollywood that it was difficult for her to relate to the intense media scrutiny that Markle faces as a member of the Royal Family.
"I'm not sure that many people can relate on that level, I don't think I can," Williams said. "I just think she's the strongest person I know, the nicest, sweetest."
Markle's appearance at the Open just goes to "show you what an amazing person she is and that's just one of the many things she does for me," Williams said.
Despite both women's busy schedules, Williams said Markle always sets aside time to cultivate their friendship.
"I call her, text her anytime, crying upset, and she's always there," Williams said. "It doesn't matter what she's going through, she sets time aside and that's amazing."
Williams ultimately lost in the Open in September, losing her bid for her 24th Grand Slam title.
The tennis superstar lost three matches that the Duchess had previously attended, and a source close to Williams told Page Six that William's coach was "superstitious" about Markle attending matches.
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