Serena Williams is one of the few big tennis names that did not send a message to Rafael Nadal following his retirement but now fans know why.
October 10 was a sad day for the sporting world as one of tennis’ greatest players Nadal, announced he will bring an end to his career.
The 38-year-old received a plethora of tributes from his fellow players and other sports stars around the world.
But there was one name missing from the list and that is his fellow all-time great Serena Williams, and they both hold a combined 45 Grand Slam titles.
Williams spent a large portion of her career on the tour with Rafael Nadal, and they enjoyed plenty of success simultaneously.
The American has always spoken highly of the 22-time Grand Slam champion, and therefore some eyebrows were raised when the 43-year-old did not share a tribute to the Spaniard ahead of his retirement.
But Williams has had something far more important to focus on, as she underwent surgery to remove a lump on her neck.
“So many things I missed like @glamourmag Woman of the Year awards, @RafaelNadal retirement,” Williams posted on X along with a crying face emoji. “I am still recovering, but getting better. Health always comes first.”
Williams then uploaded a video to Tik Tok with footage of her in hospital, where she went into more detail about her procedure.
“Back in May I found a lump showing on my neck,” she said. “I immediately went to the doc, got an MRI and was told I have a branchial cyst. Have you ever heard of that? They said I don’t need to get it removed if I don’t want to. So I did not get it but it kept growing.
“I decided to get more tests and 3 tests and one biopsy later, everything is still negative but doctors advised I get it removed as soon as possible 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. I still made it to American doll with Olympia as promised. And yes all is ok.”
Williams and Nadal have always had a great amount of respect for one another.
They have attended multiple events together and participated in charity tennis matches such as the Rally for Relief event in Rod Laver Arena before the 2020 Australian Open.
They have also always supported and praised one another, as Williams did in 2022 after Nadal claimed the final two Grand Slams of his career at Melbourne Park and the French Open.
“I’ve always been a Rafa fan. I named my dog after him. He’s so cute. I miss the little guy. So obviously I’m always rooting for Rafa,” Williams said at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships.
“So yes, he’s been really inspiring in everything that he’s done this year, and he has a lot more to do.”
