'I’m So Anxious!': Gigi Hadid Shares How She Reacts Whenever Serena Williams Plays
Oct. 12 2022, Published 10:35 a.m. ET
Gigi Hadid and Serena Williams are unlikely friends, but you'd be shocked to discover how close they are! The supermodel recently appeared on Jimmy Fallon's show, The Tonight Show, where she gave us a sneak peek into her friendship with the tennis star.
After fans caught Hadid cheering passionately for her friend, curiosity about the depths of their relationship peaked as people wanted to know if the former was just a fan or more.
Tag-Teaming With Serena For Charity
Speaking to Jimmy Fallon via a video call in quarantine, Hadid trained to play Mario Tennis with Williams as her double partner. She told Fallon they're great friends, and she'd watched the legend play severally from childhood to date (she was at her farewell match) and knew how competitive Williams was.
Hadid practiced intensely to avoid losing, but they lost the match to Keys and Seal in the Quarterfinals, and Addison Rae and Taylor Fritz won the final round.
Genuine Support For Each Other
During another The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon episode, Hadid revealed more about her friendship with Williams. When asked if she put on a show for the cameras at the U.S. Open last summer, she debunked it, saying,
-That’s like the most Serena expression ever. When I watch her, even on the couch, I’m like that... When I get there, I'm a mess, I'm so anxious. I think she can really feel that I'm there, supporting her.
Although she added in hush tones that she exaggerated the last part, Hadid is very expressive about supporting her friend no matter where she is or if Williams knows. The duo has fun off the court, where they sing Karaoke without a care in the world.
Simply The Best
This year's U.S. Open was Williams' last outing on the tennis court as she retires to face her family. The 23-time Grand Slam Champion made it through two rounds before losing to Ajla Tomljanović in the third round.
Hadid wasn't the only super fan/friend at the match as more of Williams' friends and her family pooled and tuned in to support her legacy. According to reports, it was ESPN's most-watched match ever, and the champion left on her terms in top form.
Friends Forever
The friends were together last summer for Vogue World alongside Bella Hadid. All three ladies wore silver outfits, with Williams dressing in a regal cape and gown accessorized with bold diamond earrings and Gigi wearing a shredded grunge top over a white vest and mom jean pants.
Their diverse styles confirm Gigi's statement that Williams is very girly off the court and would prefer princess-style clothing.
