"I'm still recovering" - Serena Williams rues missing Rafael Nadal's retirement announcement amid health concerns

Serena Williams recently shared a health update with fans. The 23-time Grand Slam champion underwent an MRI for a lump in her neck in May this year and is currently receiving treatment for it. Amid her recovery, she expressed disappointment at missing the announcement of Rafael Nadal's retirement.

Rafael Nadal will draw the curtain on his illustrious two-decade-long career at the 2024 Davis Cup in Malaga. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will make his final on-court appearance as part of team Spain alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Roberto Bautista Agut.

Williams took to X (formerly Twitter) on October 16 to speak about the things she missed out on, including Nadal's announcement and receiving the Glamour magazine Woman of the Year award in person. She also shared a TikTok link detailing her recent health update.

"So many things I missed like @glamourmag Woman of the Year awards, @RafaelNadal retirement and I am still recovering, but getting better. Health always comes first."

Both tennis legends share mutual respect and admiration for one another. In 2022, when Nadal won both the Australian Open and the French Open, Williams rooted for the Spaniard ahead of Wimbledon. Nadal returned the sentiment at the 2022 US Open when Serena hung up her racquet at the hardcourt Major on home soil.

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Rafael Nadal hailed Serena Williams as the "greatest sportsperson of all time" ahead of her retirement in 2022

Serena Williams(left) and Rafael Nadal(right) at the 2021 French Open. Image: Getty

Serena Williams announced her retirement at the 2022 US Open. The American downed Danka Kovinic and Anett Kontaveit before falling to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round. The six-time US Open champion bid adieu to fans with her signature twirl in her final on-court appearance, drawing a close to a career that spanned over two decades.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal overcame Rinky Hijikata, Fabio Fognini, and Richard Gasquet before being ousted by Frances Tiafoe 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 3-6 in the fourth round at the New York Slam.

Ahead of her retirement, Nadal spoke highly of Serena Williams and her achievements (as quoted by EuroSport):

“She is one of the greatest sports [people] of all time. I feel lucky to share a tour for a long period of time with her. Of course, from a selfish point of view it’s sad that she’s leaving the tour but, on the other hand, we can’t thank her enough for all the things that she did for our sport," Rafael Nadal said.

The Spaniard is currently competing at the Six King Slam before his impending retirement at the 2024 Davis Cup in November.