TENNIS LEGEND Serena Williams has taken to social media in support of her “selfless friend” Meghan Markle.

One of the greatest sportswomen of all time has spoken out about the “sexism and racism” used to “vilify women” following Meghan Markle’s explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In the recent interview which was shown around the globe over the last few days, The Duchess of Sussex said “concerns” were raised about baby Archie’s skin colour before he was born by a member of the Royal Family, and also said she was pushed to the brink of suicide after marrying into royalty.

Williams, with 23 Grand Slam singles’ titles to her name, is all too aware of the dangers associated with personal attacks by the establishment and media.

At the same time that she’s being celebrated for her stellar tennis career, Williams has been targeted with outrageous racist and sexist comments. In the moments surrounding her win at the French Open in June 2015, Williams was compared to an animal, likened to a man, and deemed frightening and horrifyingly unattractive. Her empathy with Markle is genuine.

Via Twitter, Williams said: “I know first-hand the sexism and racism institutions and the media use to vilify women and people of colour to minimise us, to break us down and demonise us.

“We must recognise our obligation to decry malicious, unfounded gossip and tabloid journalism.

“The mental health consequences of systemic oppression and victimisation are devastating, isolating, and all too often lethal.”

Williams, who attended Markle’s wedding in 2018, said that Markle had taught her “what it means to be truly noble”.

“I want Meghan’s daughter, my daughter, and your daughter to live in a society that is driven by respect,” Williams added.