TENNIS star Carla Suarez Navarro is set to play at the French Open just a month after being given the all clear from cancer.
The Spaniard, 32, had planned to retire at the end of last season before her diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma.
She announced she had the uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system in September.
However, after successfully completing seven months of treatment, the former world No6 wanted to bow out on her own terms after a final swansong.
And Navarro will make her return to competitive action at Roland Garros, which starts on Sunday.
She said: “It makes me tremendously excited to be able to participate in Roland Garros.
“I have been working these last few months to give myself the opportunity to compete one last time in Paris.
“I am looking forward to jumping on to the court and feeling again how special this tournament has always been for me.”
Gran Canaria-born Navarro, known for having one of the best backhands in tennis, has a protected ranking because of her health battle.
It means she is still 118th in the world despite not playing a tournament since February 2020.
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And she will not need to go through qualifying to secure her place in the ladies’ singles main draw.
Navarro also dreams of representing Spain at this summer’s Tokyo Olympics before hanging up her racket.
The 2008 and 2014 French Open quarter-finalist added: “Tennis has given me many things and I have always wanted to say goodbye on the court.
“My first great result was produced on these tracks, I have very good memories after all these years and it is a joy to be able to come for the last time to compete in Paris.
“They are going to be some very beautiful days and I hope to be able to enjoy them to the maximum.”
Tuesday workout
— Carla Suárez Navarro (@CarlaSuarezNava) May 18, 2021
