A body language expert has analysed an 'awkward' moment between Meghan Markle and Serena Williams' mother Oracene Price during the 2019 US Open. The Duchess of Sussex, a longtime friend of the tennis champion, appeared to be briefly ignored by Price as they watched Serena's singles final match against Bianca Andreescu.
Body Language Expert's Analysis
Body language expert Judi James told The Daily Mail that the interaction revealed a stark contrast between the two women's non-verbal responses. 'While Serena Williams was out on court fighting for her professional life (she lost in straight sets) two of her biggest fans appear to have been locked in a different type of battle up in the Players' Box,' James said. 'It's clear from the huge contrast between Meghan and Oracene's body language that their priorities and non-verbal response styles differ enormously.'
James noted that Price made no eye contact or apparent response when Meghan tried to engage her in conversation. 'With no eye contact or apparent response from Serena's mother and an awkward-looking moment brewing, Meghan looks up and appears to check the screen,' the expert explained. 'Her mouth opens in a gesture of delight but there is a very rapid and sharp blinking to hint at some inner anxiety about perhaps getting the optics right. She looks to the other side and her teeth appear to be clenched.'
Meghan and Serena's Friendship
Meghan and Serena have been close friends for over a decade, having first met in 2010 and then again in 2014. The Duchess has previously praised their bond, writing on her now-defunct blog The Tig that they 'hit it off' immediately. The pair, along with Meghan's husband Prince Harry, have been seen together at various events, including at the Montecito mansion where they both reside. However, the brief moment at the 2019 US Open suggests that Meghan's friendship with Serena may not extend to Serena's mother.
The video clip, which was widely circulated online, shows Meghan appearing animated and attempting to chat with Price, who remains still and unresponsive. The incident has been interpreted by some as a sign of underlying tension between the Duchess and Price, though neither party has commented publicly on the matter.
