It’s evident USA gymnast Simone Biles and tennis star Serena Williams think highly of one another.
So when Biles was asked during her recent appearance at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships who her ideal doubles partner would be, of course, Williams was her choice.
Video of Biles’ admission blew up over social media, and word got back to Williams of what the 27-year-old gymnast said. And naturally, Williams responded with the perfect retort on her Instagram page.
Williams was on hand to watch Biles and the rest of the USA Gymnastics team win gold in the team final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Cameras panned to Williams several times throughout the competition, which showed her actively cheering, celebrating and rooting for Biles and Co.
Williams’ mutual admiration for Biles dates back years. The 23-time grand slam singles champion said in an interview with Fader in 2016 that she admired Biles’ maturity and stated she was a role model for female athletes to aspire to.
“I think all of the women (Biles and swimmer Simone Manuel) are so poised,” Williams said. “I really find them so amazing, especially Biles. Her comments, her performance, I feel like she’s 35 years old, mentally. She’s just so incredible. If anything, I wish I could be like her when I was younger.”