Prince Harry and Meghan
Markle had awkward smiles after Serena Williams' joke at the 2024 ESPY Awards.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has been close friends with the royal couple
for more than 10 years and was among the guests at the awards.
The former world No. 1
hosted the event and drew attention to herself from the start by joking about
the couple. Williams asked the audience to give her a warm welcome: "But
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 accusations you guys are taking
up too much oxygen,” she added. The couple took the joke in good spirits and
were seen laughing. The Duke of Sussex received the Pat Tillman Award for Service
at the ceremony held in Los Angeles.
Serena Williams has had
a close relationship with Meghan since the 2010 Super Bowl. In fact, Markle
wrote in her blog, The Tig, in 2014 about Williams: "We are both the same
age, have a penchant for hot sauces and adore fashion, but what connects us
more than those things is perhaps our belief in exceeding expectations — our
endless ambition."
Beyond Williams' jokes
and the couple's good humor, Prince Harry recently faced criticism for
accepting the award: "His refusal to turn down the Pat Tillman Award,
despite suffering a furious backlash with the petition urging ESPN to
reconsider its decision…tangibly shows how his popularity has plummeted,” said
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich.
"The latest lash
out at him is Admiral Lord Alan West, Former Royal Navy Chief and Labour peer,
saying that ‘he ought to think very hard and long’ about accepting this
particular award as it ‘doesn’t travel well with people in the military.’"
On the other hand, the
author of The King, Christopher Andersen, supported Harry's decision to accept
the award: "Harry obviously considered it a great honor and given what he
has done for wounded veterans through his Invictus Games, the Duke of Sussex
certainly seemed a logical choice.
"Harry is so proud
of his military service and Invictus that it’s no wonder he is stunned by the
backlash. Harry is used to being raked over the coals, but this is a genuine
heartbreak for him."
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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