TENNIS star Carla Suarez Navarro revealed she has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma aged 31.
The Spaniard will undergo six months of chemotherapy to fight the cancer.
Navarro, who turns 32 on Thursday and had already confirmed 2020 would be her final season before retiring, was due to play at this year’s US Open but withdrew last month for health reasons.
And on Tuesday she took to social media to reveal the new battle she faces.
In an emotional statement, Navarro said: “I would like be writing to send great news but so far that’s a reality that must be put on hold.
“As I let you know in previous weeks, I’ve been unable to train on court or at the gym on a regular basis recently.
“When I expose my body to the demands of professional sport, it doesn’t sustain the effort anymore. I haven’t completed a practice session since July.
“During the past few days you may have seen some images from a hospital bed on my social media platforms.
“We’ve been looking for medical reasons to explain why I was feeling unwell. I went through different tests to detect the cause.
“The clinical results were confirmed: I was diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma. The doctors told me that it was small, curable lymphoma detected at an early stage.
Me toca afrontar una realidad complicada. Toca aceptarlo e intentar salir adelante confiando en el consejo médico. Siempre con positivismo ante la adversidad.
Patience and self-belief guided me through my career. Not the easiest rival to deal with. I’ll need my truly best. pic.twitter.com/lF9oVChWRh
— Carla Suárez Navarro (@CarlaSuarezNava) September 1, 2020
“The treatment required is clear: I must complete a treatment with six months of chemotherapy.
“That’s the only goal I have in mind right now. Everything else becomes automatically secondary.
“I want to express gratitude for the nice, elegant support I have always received from the fans throughout my entire professional career.
“I hope you understand my current situation and hope to see you as soon as possible.”
Former British doubles specialist Ross Hutchins was also diagnosed with the same cancer in December 2012.
And the tennis community was quick to show plenty of love and support for Navarro following the shock announcement.
Compatriot and two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza dedicated her US Open victory over Nao Hibino to her close friend.
Muguruza said: “When we spoke a few days ago when she gave me the news, I was, I think, shocked because I was expecting to see her in this tournament.
“She’s such a nice woman, so sweet, so kind, so humble. When these things happen to these good people, I feel so sad about it.
“I will dedicate this win to her, because I want her to feel that we are behind her, that I am behind her, and I will go and see her at some point when it is fine.”
Fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal also sent his best wishes: “A lot of strength Carla in these tough moments of life. Surely, as you say positively, the strength you’ve always had and the necessary help you get! A big kiss.”
World No1 Novak Djokovic added: “Carla, you are such a fighter and I have no doubt you’ll get through this. Stay positive and come back soon. Good luck.”
The popular Spanish star, with her fine single-handed backhand, is currently ranked 71st in the world but reached a career-high of No6 in February 2016.
She has reached seven Grand Slam quarter-finals, most recently at the US Open two years ago, and has won two career singles titles.
Her last outing was at the Qatar Total Open in February where she pushed Petra Kvitova to three sets.
