Serena Williams shares health update after tennis legend undergoes surgery

Serena Williams has undergone surgery to remove a cyst in her neck after it grew to the size of a "small grapefruit" - with the tennis legend sharing her journey on TikTok

Tennis icon Serena Williams has bravely opened up about her recent health scare, revealing she had surgery to remove a cyst the "size of a grapefruit".

The sporting superstar noticed a lump on her neck back in May and initially chose not to have it removed. However, as the lump grew, Williams decided to undergo surgery.

Taking to TikTok, the 23-time Grand Slam winner shared her journey, writing, "Back in May I found a lump showing on my neck," and explaining, "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."

The former world No. 1 also managed to keep a promise to her daughter despite the health issue, sharing, "I still made it to American doll with Olympia as promised. And yes all is ok,".

In her TikTok vlog's voiceover, Williams confessed that discovering the mass on her neck left her "mortified".

The 43-year-old also detailed the drainage process, saying: "Yikes it kind of hurt coming out. Obviously I went under for it but they had to put a drain in it because it was so much but everything worked out."

After being discharged from the hospital, Williams confirmed on camera that the procedure was successful and expressed her feelings of happiness yet exhaustion. Despite this, the mother-of-two had to fulfil a promise she made to her daughter Olympia to take her to get a renowned American Girl doll.

"Alright, we are at American Doll," she announced, capturing their trip to the store on film. "Alright Olympia, have you got an American Doll? Mummy is suffering but mum has to keep showing up. I'm going to go home and pass out."

Supporters rushed to the comments section to wish Williams a quick recovery. The revelation of the tennis legend's surgery comes just a few weeks after she made an appearance at the US Open to advertise her new beauty brand Wyn.