Serena Williams undergoes surgery after finding lump the size of a 'small grapefruit'

has announced that she underwent surgery to remove a cyst the "size of a grapefruit".

The retired tennis legend discovered a lump on her neck in May and initially decided not to remove it.

But she opted to go under the knife after it continued to grow.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion shared the update on TikTok, where she vlogged the aftermath of her surgery. "Back in May I found a lump showing on my neck," she wrote in the caption.

"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."

The American continued to get the all-clear in her tests but was eventually advised to remove the cyst.

She continued: "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 feelimg so grateful, and fortunate everything worked out, and most of all I'm healthy."

The former world No. 1 had a successful removal and was able to fulfil her promise to take her daughter doll shopping. "I still made it to American doll with Olympia as promised. And yes all is ok," she added.

Williams also gave more information in the voiceover of her TikTok vlog. She admitted she was "mortified" when she first found the mass on her neck.

The 43-year-old also documented the drainage, adding: "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 leaving the hospital, Williams confirmed on camera that the removal was successful and said she was happy but tired. However, the mum-of-two had to keep her word after promising to take her daughter Olympia to get a famous American Girl doll.

"Alright, we are at American Doll," she said, filming their outing to the shop.

"Alright Olympia, have you got an American Doll? Mummy is suffering but mum has to keep sjhowing up. I'm going to go home and pass out."

Fans flocked to the comments to wish Williams a speedy recovery. The news of the tennis icon's surgery comes just weeks after she attended the US Open to promote her new beauty brand Wyn.