Serena Williams Urges Meghan Markle To 'Stop Being So Nice'

The queen of tennis has told the Duchess of Sussex to ditch the congeniality.

Serena Williams said Thursday that her longtime pal, the former Meghan Markle, remains as sweet as ever ― and maybe that should change as she juggles pregnancy and a reportedly tense royal life.

“I’m like, ‘How are you?’ and she’s like, ‘No, how are you?’ and I’m like, ‘You’re so sweet, but I’m really asking ― how are YOU?’” Williams told People at an Art Basel event for her clothing line in Miami. “I’m like, ‘Meghan, stop being so nice … you’re the pregnant one, aren’t you supposed to have hormones, why are you so sweet?’ But that’s always been her.”

Meghan Markle and Serena Williams, pictured at a celebrity flag football event in 2014, have given each other advice for years. (Photo: Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
Meghan Markle and Serena Williams, pictured at a celebrity flag football event in 2014, have given each other advice for years. (Photo: Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)

Williams, who has a 1-year-old daughter with husband Alexis Ohanian, said she’s counseling Meghan on pregnancy and parenting, but the royal continues to give her more advice.

When it comes to tennis, however, we doubt the duchess could help Williams improve.

However, Meghan did watch Williams lose in last July’s Wimbledon final. The duchess reportedly teared up as Williams dedicated the match “to all the moms out there.”

Williams and Meghan reportedly met at the Super Bowl in 2010, and, of course, Williams was invited to her pal’s royal wedding to Prince Harry in May.

This is one winning friendship.

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On Maintaining Her Hair...

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On Her Must-Have Beauty Product...

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November 1998

Here's Ms. 17-year-old Serena at the Chase Championships in New York City. All about the beads.
Here's Ms. 17-year-old Serena at the Chase Championships in New York City. All about the beads.

July 2001

Wimbledon. 'Nuff said.
Wimbledon. 'Nuff said.

August 2002

Serena the Power Ranger plays Corina Morariu during the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Serena the Power Ranger plays Corina Morariu during the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

August 2002

Serena rocks a Harry Winston diamond bracelet worth, oh, $29K. Ain't no thang.
Serena rocks a Harry Winston diamond bracelet worth, oh, $29K. Ain't no thang.

July 2003

Looking super chic in black for the Wimbledon Ball at Savoy Hotel in London.
Looking super chic in black for the Wimbledon Ball at Savoy Hotel in London.

November 2004

At the film premiere of "After The Sunset" -- what? Does anyone have any recollection of this film?
At the film premiere of "After The Sunset" -- what? Does anyone have any recollection of this film?

September 2004

Belly baring at the Tommy Hilfiger show during Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2005 in Bryant Park, New York.
Belly baring at the Tommy Hilfiger show during Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2005 in Bryant Park, New York.

September 2004

Walking in her big black boots at the 2004 U.S. Open.
Walking in her big black boots at the 2004 U.S. Open.

September 2006

Playing Amelie Mauresmo of France during the 2006 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
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August 2007

Channeling Chanel at MTV's Total Request Live at the MTV Times Square Studios in New York City.
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September 2008

Very Grace Kelly at The 60th Anniversary of the State of Israel honoring producer Arnon Milchan at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California.
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September 2008

At the Zac Posen Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park, New York.
At the Zac Posen Spring 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Bryant Park, New York.

September 2009

Looking dope at the premiere of "Whip It" in Los Angeles, California.
Looking dope at the premiere of "Whip It" in Los Angeles, California.

September 2010

Super sophisticated at the Rodarte Spring 2011 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City.
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September 2011

Looking her plum best at the New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.
Looking her plum best at the New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

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