“Health always comes first,” Serena Williams told us that this morning when she unfortunately missed Rafael Nadal‘s shock retirement announcement and Woman of the Year awards. Setting her priorities straight, the American star aired a crucial update surrounding her recent health issues – having escalated to a concerning level.

The 24-time Major winner underwent an MRI for a lump found in her neck earlier this year in May. The birth defect, medically known as a brachial cyst, however, posed no threat to her as claimed by her doctors. But trouble wasn’t looking to leave easily.

Taking to her social media, Williams addressed how the lump continued growing to an alarming where she was forced to get tested multiple times, including one biopsy. To much relief, the former World No. 1 confirmed that no life-threatening results were found, but she was advised to remove the birth defect via a minor surgery.

She also uploaded a video on TikTok, wherein she detailed and showcased the medical scrutiny that came out of the cyst’s surgical removal. She wrote, “Back in May I found a lump showing on my neck. I immediately went to the doc got a MRI and was told I have a brachial cyst. Have you ever heard of that?”

“They said I don’t need to get it removed if I don’t want. So I did not get it, but it kept growing. I decided to get more test and 3 test and one biopsy later everything is still negative but doctors advised I get it removed asap because it was the size of a small grapefruit and it could get infected or worse leak. So this is me removing it. I am feeling so grateful, and fortunate everything worked out, and most of all I’m healthy.”

However, amid her medical concerns, the Compton native unknowingly skipped out on Spaniard Rafael Nadal’s long-drawn retirement news  – stemming from recurring injuries. Taken up by surprise, Williams said: “So many things I missed like @glamourmag Woman of the Year awards, @RafaelNadal retirement and I am still recovering, but getting better. Health always comes first.” Her heartfelt acknowledgment made sense. After all, the Spanish legend praised Williams’ stellar legacy.

Rafael Nadal hailed Serena Williams as the “greatest sportsperson of all time”

Serena Williams dominated an era of the WTA with her athletic finesse and simply, charming on-court showdowns for her admirers. However, with a 23 Grand Slam title record, coupled with multiple tour-level triumphs – the American superstar decided to take up a life outside the sport. After retiring at the US Open in 2022, Williams’ impressive resume met Rafael Nadal’s kind words.

In an interview, Rafa heaped praise on her laudable achievements and candidly admitted her status as the “greatest sportsperson of all time”. He said (as per Eurosport) – “She is one of the greatest sports [people] of all time. I feel lucky to share a tour for a long period of time with her. Of course, from a selfish point of view, it’s sad that she’s leaving the tour but, on the other hand, we can’t thank her enough for all the things that she did for our sport.”

With the Spaniard gone and Williams battling a critical medical concern, it’ll be interesting to see Williams airing her honest admission on the former’s captivating run on the ATP Tour.