London, June 27 In defeating Italian Roberta Vinci 6-3 6-4 at Wimbledon on Friday, two-time champion Serena Williams did not forget to pay tribute to pop icon Michael Jackson, who died on the same day at his Los Angeles home.

Williams immediately revealed her "shock and horror" at the death of the "ultimate celebrity" after her 200th Grand Slam match.

"I was honoured to meet him a few times. He had such a great heart and wonderful kids. He was a great guy, a complete icon. Words can't express my shock and horror," The Sun quoted Williams, as saying.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. It's just terrible, a terrible thing. Everyone listens to Michael Jackson's music. You think of The Beatles, Elvis Presley and you think of Michael Jackson, those are the lifetime icons I'll never forget," she added.

Williams named her favourite Jacko tune as the 1987 duet with Sideah Garret 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You' from the Bad album.

The 2002 and 2003 champion believes everyone's life was touched by the musical genius who had a troubled life from childhood. (ANI)