"Tom Bower is spreading lies, their friendship goes way back" - Tennis fans react to rumors that Serena Williams denied being Meghan Markle's friend

Social media has been abuzz over the last 24 hours with rumors about Serena Williams and Meghan Markle. The former, in a recent telephone interview, supposedly denied that she was a friend of Markle's.

The remarks have surfaced as excerpts from a biography written by British investigative journalist Tom Bower about Meghan Markle. Bower's work is titled 'Revenge: Meghan, Harry and the war between the Windsors.'

The book is only scheduled to come out on July 21, but one of the leaked quotes portrays Serena Williams being dismissive of Meghan Markle and suggesting that she should try to remain true to herself instead of spreading lies.

"You’ve got to be who you are, Meghan. You can’t hide," Serena Williams is reported to have said according to Vanity Fair's Sam Kushner, which he supposedly found out when he called to confirm whether Williams was friends with Markle.

Tennis fans, however, are siding with the Duchess of Sussex, claiming that Bower is simply making up facts to discredit her. Users on Twitter are recalling all the instances from the past where the 23-time Grand Slam champion has waxed lyrical about Markle, pointing out that there is more than enough proof of their friendship being legitimate.

Many are of the opinion that both Markle and the former World No. 1 should sue the writer for libel. They have expressed hope that others wouldn't entertain such baseless accusations, especially if they come from someone who has a track record of subpar investigation.

In fact, Williams' supposed comments chastising Markle are a word-for-word copy of a quote she had used about the American years ago, but taken completely out of context.

In the original article by Vanity Fair, the 40-year-old was heard advising Markle on how to deal with paparazzi and media attention, suggesting that she shouldn't try to hide her true self - a quote that makes more sense in that particular context. In light of that information Bower's story does sound dodgy, but fans will have to wait until next week to see the full picture for themselves.

"Tom Bower is spreading lies, made up conspiracies that he read on Twitter in his book. Serena Williams and Meghan Markle's friendship goes way back, years before she met Prince Harry," one fan tweeted.

"They are squealing over some moldy royal biographer’s fanfiction turned book … stuff like Serena Williams denied being Meghan’s friend. Same Serena who threw Megs a baby shower. The usual lies these derangers lap up," another user wrote.

"I hope Serena Williams and Meghan sue the f**k out of Tom Bower, that little clout-chasing b***h," one account posted.

"Royalist Karen headcanon: Meghan has zero friends and hangs out with a hologram of Serena Williams. It must be truth because look at that “gotcha Meghan” fanfiction by that Bower guy," another fan sarcastically tweeted.

Serena Williams looking to prepare for US Open by playing Toronto

Williams will prepare for the US Open with a stint in Toronto in early August

Serena Williams on her part would be hoping not to be too distracted by this drama given that the US Open is edging ever closer. Following her first-round exit from Wimbledon on her return to action last month, the American will resume her hunt for the elusive 24th Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows.

While she did not play any singles tournament in the lead-up to SW19, Serena Williams is scheduled to play at the WTA1000 National Bank Open in Toronto next month before making the trip to New York.

If the former World No. 1 decides to play at the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati as well, it would be excellent match practice for her - and possibly make her a real threat at the US Open.