"Try not to breathe too much tonight" - Serena Williams teases long-time friends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the 2024 ESPY Awards

Serena Williams hilariously teased her longtime friends Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during the 32nd edition of the ESPY Awards. Williams took a dig at the constant media scrutiny of the royal couple.

The ESPYS, short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, was held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Thursday, July 11, and featured some of the biggest names in sports, entertainment, and culture.

One of the highlights of the night was when Williams gave a shoutout to the royal couple sitting in the front row. The American, who attended the event with her husband Alexis Ohanian and daughter Olympia, joked that she didn’t want to be overshadowed by the royal couple, who have been under constant media scrutiny since their linkup.

"Please, Harry and Meghan, try not to breathe too much tonight, because this is my night. And I don’t want to be overshadowed by the accusations that you guys are taking up too much oxygen," she said, drawing laughs from the audience and a good-natured smile from the couple.

Williams’ appearance at the ESPYS came two days after the debut of the first episode an eight-part docuseries of the ESPN+ Original Series In the Arena: Serena Williams.

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"It's so good to have people like that" - When Serena Williams spoke about being grateful for her friendship with Meghan Markle

Serena Williams speaking at the 2024 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture

Serena Williams discussed her relationship with Meghan Markle in a post-match press conference after a 6-2, 6-2 loss to Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon women's singles final.

"It's so good to have people like that, just to know," Williams said (quoted via People.com)

Williams praised Markle's positive demeanor and noted her strong interest in the sport.

"It's so good to have people like that, just to know," Williams added.

Williams and Markle have been close friends for over a decade ever since they met at the Super Bowl in 2010. They have supported each other through thick and thin - from Williams’ tennis triumphs and struggles to Harry and Meghan’s wedding and exit from the royal family.

Serena Williams was one of the few guests who attended the couple’s intimate nuptials at Windsor Castle in 2018, and she also co-hosted Meghan’s baby shower in New York in 2019. Meghan, on the other hand, has been a regular fixture at Williams’ matches, cheering her on from the stands.