Serena Williams of the U.S. is congratulated by Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark after their WTA Finals singles semi-final tennis match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium October 25, 2014. REUTERS/Edgar Su
IN PHOTO: Serena Williams of the U.S. is congratulated by Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark after their WTA Finals singles semi-final tennis match at the Singapore Indoor Stadium October 25, 2014. Reuters

While starting a friendship with a sports rival can sometimes be fraught and complex, Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki have proven otherwise. Their bond is a proof that rivals can even become the best of friends. Williams may have scored a number of Women's Tennis Association, or WTA, but for the American tennis star, the close friendship and personal relationship that she has with fellow tennis star Wozniacki is the best thing that happened to her in 2014. Williams and Wozniacki have developed one of the most surprising friendships in sports.

Williams welcomed the New Year with a heartwarming message to the Dane tennis star. Williams honoured her tennis pal in a message that she posted on Twitter.

@CaroWozniacki I'm we got much closer this year. We learned, we cried & we laughed. U are the best thing that happened to me this year.

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) January 1, 2015

@CaroWozniacki ..... We survived. — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) January 1, 2015

"@serenawilliams: @CaroWozniacki ..... We survived." We sure did! And came out stronger! Bring on 2015

— Caroline Wozniacki (@CaroWozniacki) January 1, 2015

When Wozniacki's engagement with Irish golfer Rory McIlroy was called off in May 2014, Williams was reportedly one of the first people who helped the Dane go through the breakup. Williams and Wozniacki always made sure that they have time for each other. Oftentimes, the duo shares pictures from their nightouts and other events that they attend together.

Meanwhile, Williams has already kicked off her 2015 season at the International Tennis Federation, or ITF, mixed team championships Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia. Williams will be playing with compatriot John Isner. Williams said in an article by BBC Sport that the Hopman Cup event is going to be a lead up as she hunts for another Australian Open title. Williams added that she just have to do her best to win. Williams currently holds the most number of victories with five in the Australian Open (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2010).

Wozniacki, on the other hand, opted to take part in the WTA International event at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. Wozniacki is going to use the ASB Classic also as her warmup for the Australian Open. Wozniacki, who arrived in New Zealand a couple of days ago, said that she wants to win as many tournaments as she can and just get a good start in Auckland.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.

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