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‘Am I Being Rude?’ – Serena Williams Once Left Fans Perplexed Owing to Her Friendship With Michelle Obama

Published 08/05/2022, 9:29 AM EDT

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Serena Williams, the 23-time Grandslam winner, failed to make a remarkable comeback at the Wimbledon Open this year. However, back in 2012, after her fifth Wimbledon title, she had a special supporter who cheered her for her subsequent victory at the 2012 London Olympics. The then First Lady of the United States(FLOTUS), Michelle Obama, flew to London to cheer Team USA through their Olympics journey.

And she was present when Serena started her singles journey at the Olympics. But to the surprise of millions of people watching, the FLOTUS did not sit in the Royal Box with other dignitaries. She cheered Serena to her first-round victory with her family.

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Later, the younger Williams sister opened up about her relationship with the then First Lady Michelle Obama.

When Michelle Obama ditched the Royal Box at London Olympics for Serena Williams

In the post-match conference, Williams opened up about her rapport with the then FLOTUS. She referred to the first lady informally on a first-name basis. And when enquired about this development, Williams reacted by saying, “Oops, am I being rude?” She added, “She’s so cool. I’ve met her several times. I feel comfortable saying ‘Michelle’, and I think she wants the people to feel that way.”

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Moreover, what surprised many fans around the globe was the fact that Michelle Obama ditched the prestigious Royal Box; to sit with the Williams family, giving company to Oracene Price, Serena Williams’ mother, among other supporters of the then seasoned player. Williams revealed, “They asked me did I mind if she sat in the family box. I was like, ‘of course not’. Please, it would be my honor. I mean, I love Michelle.”

Moreover, the 2012 Olympics was special for the American champion, as she claimed her first Olympics gold in the singles category, in addition to claiming the doubles title with sister Venus Williams. 

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In the quest to equal Margaret Court’s record

Serena Williams recently made a comeback to tennis on the Grass courts of the Wimbledon championships. But, the player failed to get past the first round, suffering a crushing blow at the hands of Harmony Tan. Subsequently, to gain good practice before the US Open, the tennis legend now would be participating at the next week’s National Bank Open in Toronto.

via Reuters

Moreover, the 23-time Grand Slam champion would look forward to converting the upcoming US Open opportunity to equal Margaret Court’s majestic record of 24 Grand Slam titles.

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Do you think Serena Williams would be able to claim 24th Grandslam title? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by:

Deepakshi Chaudhary

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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa