After dropping a major surprise in the form of her docuseries, Serena Williams is on to create new trends. The former WTA pro recently appeared at the ESPYs Awards, not just as an auspicious guest but as a host who made the stage her own. While it was her job for the evening to keep everyone entertained, she did not forget to welcome Meghan Markle along with her husband, Prince Harry.

Serena Williams hosted the 2024 ESPYs award ceremony on July 11, 2024, at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The star-studded event was graced with the presence of the WTA star, along with other notable athletes. Names like Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark, Coco Gauff, and more held the top spots in the list of nominees, whereas Dawn Staley and Prince Harry added more light to the event as special guests.

While the Duke of Sussex was counted on the guest list, there was no chance Meghan Markle would be absent, especially with Williams as the host. Backstage, Serena and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, met Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The two couples were chattering away and laughed together, as the best friends Williams and Markle shared a warm hug, making their bond evident. Serena expressed her excitement to see the couple, saying, “He’s so funny, and it’s beautiful seeing him and Meghan at the same event. They’re special friends.”

Williams and Markle have been close friends since 2010. They have supported each other through various milestones, including events like Serena Williams’ pregnancy and Markle’s royal wedding. Meghan was frequently spotted in Serena’s box before her retirement from the tennis world. Serena, on the other side, also proved to be a strong support. She was the one to back Meghan when her relationship with Prince Harry was about to be exposed.

Meghan describes their bond, saying, “We are both the same age, have a penchant for hot sauces and adore fashion, but what connects us more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations – our endless ambition.”

The 2024 ESPYS not only celebrated sports achievements throughout the year but also highlighted genuine connections. However, their interaction wasn’t just limited to the backstage meetup. As Serena took the stage, she even made the couple chuckle while joking about how the media seems to hound them.

“This is my night” Serena Williams limits the oxygen for her special guests

Besides indulging in gossip with special guests and old friends to replenish memories, Serena Williams also marked several moments of indulging in fun conversations with the couple. As both of them were seated right in front of them in the first row, the former number 1 could not miss the opportunity to crack jokes.

“But please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight,” she said, leaving the audience briefly shocked. However, the statement wasn’t a threat, “Because this is my night and I don’t want to be overshadowed by accusations you guys are taking up too much oxygen,” Serena added, and the couple laughed along with the audience.

This interaction not only just marked an auspicious moment for the city but also added another chapter to Serena Williams’ friendship diaries with Meghan Markle.