JOIN US Williams had already posted her condolences to the Jackson family on the Twitter website hours after the 50-year-old’s death in Los Angeles.
The American, who won Wimbledon in 2002 and 2003, then spoke after defeating Roberta Vinci in the third round at the All-England Club.
“He was a great guy, a complete icon. Words can’t express my shock and horror,” Serena said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. It was a terrible thing.
“Everyone listens to his music. You think of the Beatles, Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. They are lifetime icons that are never forgotten. Everyone of every colour and race is a huge Michael Jackson fan.
“He’s not been really well from what I read and he’s been in and out of the hospital so I wasn’t super-shocked, but he’s the greatest entertainer of all time.” Serena spent time with Jackson on several occasions and admitted she was in awe of the singer.