Tennis icon Serena Williams recently opened up about a health scare that led her to have a benign branchial cyst surgically removed from her neck.
In a heartfelt social media video, the 43-year-old athlete reassured fans that she’s doing well, even while recovering in a hospital bed.
The Discovery of the Cyst
Williams recounted the timeline of her situation, explaining that she discovered a lump on her neck back in May.
Following an MRI, doctors informed her that the cyst didn’t necessarily need to be removed unless she wanted to.
Initially, she decided against surgery, but the cyst continued to grow.
“So many things I missed, like the Glamour Magazine Woman of the Year awards and Rafael Nadal’s retirement,” she shared, expressing the frustration of missing out while prioritizing her health.
“But I’m getting better now; health always comes first.”
The Decision to Act
In her video, she candidly described her experience: “Back in May, I found a lump on my neck.
I went to the doctor, got an MRI, and was told I have a brachial cyst. Have you ever heard of that?”
Williams explained that despite the initial advice, the lump’s growth prompted her to seek further tests.
After undergoing three tests and a biopsy—thankfully all coming back negative—her doctors urged her to have the cyst removed due to its size, which had grown to that of a small grapefruit.
“It could get infected or worse, leak,” she noted.
Grateful and on the Mend
Reflecting on her recovery, Williams expressed gratitude for her health, stating, “This is me removing it. I feel so fortunate that everything worked out.”
She also shared that she kept a promise to her daughter Olympia by attending an event, proving that despite her health challenges, she remains dedicated to family life.
“And yes, all is okay,” she affirmed.
A Return to the Spotlight
Just a month ago, Williams was spotted enjoying a Green Day concert in Los Angeles, playfully jogging with fellow fans, showcasing her resilience and spirit.
Recently celebrating her 43rd birthday in September, Williams has been retired from professional tennis for two years, with her last tournament being the 2022 US Open.
Serena’s Legacy
Married to entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, the couple has two daughters: Olympia, 7, and Adira, 1.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, remains a revered figure in tennis history.
She held the WTA’s No. 1 ranking for an impressive 319 weeks and achieved a legendary streak of winning all four Grand Slam singles titles consecutively between the 2002 French Open and the 2023 Australian Open, often facing off against her sister, Venus, in the finals.
Her last major victory was at the 2017 Australian Open, cementing her status as one of the greatest players of all time.
As she navigates this recovery phase, fans continue to rally around her, eager to see what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.
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