Serena Williams calls Kate Middleton a 'badass' in gushing interview
Serena Williams has heaped praise on Kate Middleton, calling the royal a "badass".
The tennis champion was asked who she admires and listed the Duchess of Cambridge among some of the world's most powerful females.
Williams and the Duchess have formed a friendship over the years, bonded by tennis.
Kate frequently attends matches and is patron of the Lawn Tennis Association, having taken over from the Queen, who held the role for 64 years.
In a recent interview for InStyle magazine's "Badass Women" edition, Williams spoke about her admiration for the Duchess.
Snapchat/SerenaWilliams
The 36-year-old was asked who she'd put on her list.
"Well, obviously Beyoncé. That goes unsaid. Rihanna goes unsaid. Kate Middleton!" Williams told the publication.
Williams was in awe over the Duchess' appearance on the steps of the Lindo Wing, just hours after giving birth to Prince Louis, in April.
"And she was … standing! So she’s officially No. 1."
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In 2016, Kate made her Snapchat debut on Williams' account after the Wimbledon semi-final.
Williams joked she was "in the in-crowd now…I’m with royalty" before turning the camera towards Kate and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, who was standing next to the Duchess.
Williams also spoke about attending the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in May, telling the magazine the royal wedding was "super fun".
"You know, I’ve known Meghan [Markle] for years, so it was good to see my friend happy."
She also laughed about the tough decision of whether to wear heels or shoes in her reception outfit.
"I worked with [Valentino designer] Pierpaolo Piccioli [for my reception look], and I had a great time.
"The first thing he showed me, I was like, 'This is it. I don’t need anything else.'
"It was such a big hit. I was supposed to wear heels originally, and I’m thinking, 'C’mon, Serena—reception. Heels or shoes? Heels or shoes?'
"I decided to go with the shoes [laughs]."
