Serena Williams came to her close friend Meghan Markle’s rescue over recent controversies.

During an Access Hollywood interview, published on November 7, the athletic champion praised The Duchess of Sussex for her handling of public criticism in the British tabloids while still being a good friend to her. 

“I call her, text her anytime, crying, upset —she's always there. Doesn't matter what she's going through, she just sets time away, and she's just so amazing,” Williams told Access Hollywood, adding that Markle is “the strongest — literally the strongest — person I know, and the nicest, sweetest.”

Markle was seen tearfully discussing the criticism she faces in a documentary. The moment only drew further controversy and speculation.

“Look, any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, is really vulnerable and so that was made really challenging. And when you have a newborn, you know. And especially as a woman, it’s a lot,” the duchess said during Harry and Meghan: An African Journey.

“So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom and trying to be a newlywed. I guess — and also thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I’m OK — but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes," Markle added.

Williams said it’s hard for some to understand the tribulations Markle endures.

“I’m not sure many people can relate on that level,” Williams said.

The Access Hollywood interview sparked other reactions to Williams’ comments about Markle, Cosmopolitan reports. 

In the interview, some believed Williams implied that Markle’s young son Archie had accompanied his mother in the United States during a visit to see her at the U.S. Open Finals. 

"She flew all the way with a newborn to see me play in New York and flew all the way back that night, and I probably couldn't have done that. That kind of goes to show you what an amazing person she is,” the 38-year-old recalled.

Markle’s newborn, at the time, did not come to the United States, according to reporters who cover the royal family.

Royal reporter Rebecca English wrote on Twitter that Williams meant she found it “touching” that Markle made the trip, even with a baby back at home in England.

“I think Serena Williams was trying to say (although it wasn't couched particularly clearly) was that she found it touching Meghan made the effort to go to the US to see her while having a young baby — not with her newborn baby. Seems like there's been some crossed wires,” the Daily Mail reporter tweeted on Monday.

I try not to wade in on stories I'm not involved in but as there has been so much social media chatter today: the Duchess of Sussex did NOT take Archie to the US with her to watch Serena Williams play over the summer, as myself (and others) made clear at the time.

— Rebecca English (@RE_DailyMail) November 11, 2019

Williams and the Duchess of Sussex have been friends since at least 2010, where they met at that year’s Super Bowl, AOL reports.

Elle reports that Williams also defended Markle after a match in Wimbledon this summer.

“I didn't know there was negative media out there, any time I see her name attached to anything I don't read it,” the champion said. “She couldn't be a better friend to me. Low moments, high moments, she's always there and that's all I want to be to her.”

Williams attended Prince Harry and Markle’s royal wedding in 2018.