Serena Williams recently addressed her absence from public discussions regarding Rafael Nadal’s retirement, attributing it to her recovery from a health issue. In October 2024, Williams underwent surgery to remove a benign branchial cyst from her neck. She discovered the lump in May and, after monitoring its growth, opted for surgical removal to prevent potential complications. 

During her recovery, Williams missed Nadal’s retirement announcement. Expressing her disappointment, she stated, “I missed out on a lot of news due to my surgery and recovery, including Rafa’s retirement.” 

Williams and Nadal share a mutual respect, having both achieved remarkable success in tennis. Their careers have often been compared, highlighting their significant contributions to the sport. 

Williams has since expressed her admiration for Nadal, acknowledging his impact on tennis and wishing him well in his retirement. She continues to focus on her health and family, sharing updates with her followers as she recovers from her recent surgery.