Serena Williams' coded message to Meghan Markle in Oscars 2019 speech

Serena Williams is believed to have sent her close friend Meghan Markle a coded message of support during her Academy Awards speech.

While introducing a short clip of Best Picture nominee A Star is Born during Sunday’s ceremony, the tennis star spoke about making dreams come true.

"When we are young, we all have dreams of what we can accomplish in life," Serena, 37, said.

"Having the dream is easy. Making it come true is hard. Whether that dream is becoming an actor, a tennis player or a singer, like Ali in A Star Is Born."

She then continued: "In tonight's nominee for Best Picture, we see through Ali's eyes the highs and low on the journey to stardom.

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"There's the rush of fame, the pressure of success - and the heartache that comes with sacrificing love for career... or career for love."

Fans have been quick to point out the parallels between Serena’s message and the Duchess of Sussex’s life.

Meghan, 37, gave up her acting career when she became serious with Prince Harry in 2017. The royal couple wed on May 19 2018, and in October announced they were expecting their first child, due in late April.

The expectant mum’s hit TV series Suits continued for just one season without her.

The Duchess also shut down her social media accounts and her website The Tig before relocating from the US to London.

Meghan recently travelled to New York for a lavish baby shower with her state-side friends.

She isn't expected to be holding a London-based baby shower, as British custom doesn't normally feature such events.