Serena Williams was featured in Insider’s first digital story, where she opened up about motherhood, her career and King Richard.

Speaking on her friendship with Williams, Ciara shared what makes their bond special, emphasizing the safe space they’ve created to be their authentic selves. 

“I think the key to our friendship is the fact that when we get together it’s not about what we do in our professional lives — it’s about being free to experience our authentic selves with each other,” the singer told Insider. “The world gets to see her passion for tennis when she’s on the court, but behind the scenes she carries that same passion and enthusiasm.”

Williams and Ciara’s friendship has been on display in public. The singer has been seen cheering on the athlete as she dominates on the court. The pair also shares their love for each other and their families on social media. In a 2017 tweet, Ciara posted a video of her playing tennis and Williams commended her efforts, offering to help her out.

“Love this!” Williams wrote in a comment. “I’m coming by to give y’all lessons.”

Back in 2019, their daughters had a playdate in Cannes, France, People reports. Ciara shared a sweet video of the four in the pool while the moms taught their daughters French.

“The moments I cherish,” Ciara captioned the post with a heart emoji. “@serenawilliams and I with our girls in Cannes. #SweetMemories #MomLife.”

According to Insider, Ciara and Williams are also bonded by their commitment to improving Black women’s health. The tennis player has spoken up about her birth experience and how she’s one of way too many Black women who experience complications during childbirth.

Ciara has joined Cerving Confidence, a Black Women’s Health Imperative and Project Health Equality campaign that urges Black women to get their annual PAP smear, which detects cervical cancer.