Serena Williams underwent surgery to remove a cyst from her neck that was the size of "a small grapefruit."

Tennis icon Serena Williams revealed that she recently had surgery to remove a branchial cyst from her neck, which was “the size of a grapefruit.” Williams discovered the lump in May and initially decided against surgery after tests confirmed it was benign. However, doctors later recommended its removal due to its continued growth and potential risk of infection.

Branchial cleft cysts are fluid-filled sacs located in the neck that can manifest as lumps or swelling beneath the skin. They can vary in size from one centimeter to nearly ten centimeters (about four inches) and are classified as "benign lesions," according to the National Institutes of Health.

In a TikTok video, the 23-time Grand Slam champion shared that she is “feeling good” post-surgery and documented a shopping trip with her daughter, Olympia. She expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am feeling so grateful and fortunate that everything worked out, and most of all I’m healthy.

 I still made it to the American Girl store with Olympia as promised. And yes, all is okay.” Williams mentioned that she missed Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement while undergoing her procedure.

“I am still recovering, but getting better,” she noted on X, previously known as Twitter. “Health always comes first.” Now 43 years old, Williams last played competitive tennis during her farewell at the 2022 US Open.

Regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history, Williams holds the Open Era record with 23 Grand Slam titles, just one behind the all-time record set by Margaret Court. She also has 14 Grand Slam doubles titles won alongside her sister, Venus, and has secured four Olympic gold medals.

Credit:CNN.