‘I’m a Wreck’ – American Model Gigi Hadid Re-Lives What She Went Through Whenever Serena Williams Stepped Onto a Tennis Court

American tennis bid adieu to one of its greatest players at this year’s US Open. Serena Williams called an end to her illustrious career in front of her ‘home’ crowd. Many renowned personalities were in attendance at the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium to witness the American legend’s ‘last dance’. Among them was the American model, Gigi Hadid.

Hadid is a close friend of Serena. On multiple occasions, she has talked about how their friendship developed while praising her for a wonderful tennis career. Recently, she talked about the emotions that she experienced while cheering for Serena at the 2022 US Open.

Gigi Hadid talks about how she felt while cheering for Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open

Last month, the 27-year-old appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she talked about a variety of topics, including her best friend, Serena Williams. During the conversation, she was asked whether her expressions at Serena’s matches were real. Replying to this question, she said, “Oh, no, that’s like the realest, that’s like the most Serena expression ever. Like, when I watch her, even on the couch, I’m like that.”

Further, she added, “Yeah, it’s crazy. I mean, also, you know what helps? You know the U.S. Open drinks? The melon ones with the little tennis ball melons? Yeah, because when I get there, I’m a wreck. Like, I’m so anxious. Yeah, so, I, like, take it really personally.”

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Talking about her connection with Serena, Hadid said, “I think that she can really feel that I’m there supporting her. She has no idea. Until after the game, she doesn’t really know I’m there, probably. Just, like you know, if she was serving one way or and then it just happens, and I can feel her feel it, then, oh, it’s just the best.”

The last match of Serena’s illustrious career

The 23-time Grand Slam champion put on an inspiring show at this year’s US Open. In the second round of the tournament, she knocked out the second seed, Anett Kontaveit of Estonia. Further, in the third round, she gave her all but couldn’t overcome Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia. It proved to be the last match of Serena’s glorious career as she bid an emotional exit in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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Serena also played doubles with her sister, Venus Williams, at the 2022 US Open. However, the pair had a first-round defeat, losing against Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova.