Serena Williams is going through a tough time.
For starters, she's deep in the middle of a sexism row following her outburst at the 2018 US Open final.
Williams received heavy criticism for her reaction to receiving three code violations during the match, with one Australian newspaper lampooning the tennis star in a vulgar cartoon, calling her "no feminist hero."
To top it all off, her coach admitted to giving her instructions from the stands in the US Open final, which Williams vehemently denies.
In times like this, it pays to have friends who can sympathise with your situation — but who could possibly relate to the level of media scrutiny faced by the 23-time Grand Slam winner?
Britain's new Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, of course.
In an interview with Australian talk show The Sunday Project, Williams said her and her royal friend depend on each other.
"We were actually just texting each other this morning," Williams said. "We have known each other for a long time, but we really kind of are relying on each other a lot recently."
Markle was seen supporting Williams at Wimbledon earlier this year and the tennis star recently gushed about Markle's first charity project as duchess on Instagram, saying: "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!"
Reflecting on the royal wedding and the influence of African-American culture, Williams said: "To have such a monumental moment in England, nonetheless, of all the places, I felt like we were literally watching history."
"I feel like in a few years we are going to look back at that moment and it's going to be so historic. It's going to be something that people never forget. The whole service was really wonderful, and most of all I just wanted to see my friend be happy."
