Serena Williams recently faced a social media criticism after she posted a photoshopped picture of herself.

The 34-year-old tennis star was forced to delete a photo from her Instagram account over the weekend, after more than 600 fans claimed the image was photoshopped to make her waist appear slimmer, reports News.com.au.

The image was taken from People magazine's Most Beautiful Women of 2016 spread.

Comments such as: "I love her but the bar behind her waist is so warped. Disappointing" and "You look beautiful the way you are. Yes this is a great picture but don't feel this is the best representation of your actual body type" started pouring immediately when the snap was posted.

Another more thoughtful comment read: “@serenawilliams he slim, don't let the editors change the way you look for the masses. Nike, vogue.. FHM.. Everyone knows you're a sex symbol! Don't let them edit @thebooty.”

Later, Williams shared an identical snap, which was not retouched. After that she received praise and appreciation from her 3.1 millions followers.

Image: Serena Williams's picture in the 'People' magazine's spread

Photograph: Instagram/Serena Williams