• WTA Tour

Kleybanova reveals cancer battle

ESPN staff
July 16, 2011
Alisa Kleybanova has not played since May © Getty Images
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Russia's Alisa Kleybanova has vowed to return to action after revealing she is battling cancer.

The world No. 28, has not played since May after missing both the French Open and Wimbledon. Kleybanova, who celebrated her 22nd birthday on Friday, revealed she has Hodgkin's lymphoma.

"It's my birthday today and I want to thank all of you for the wonderful messages," Kleybanova told the WTA's official website. "I haven't written anything for a long time about why I haven't been on tour, so that's why I'm writing this today.

"It's not an easy time for me right now. I've been a bit unlucky with my health. I have Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer."

Kleybanova, who has been undergoing treatment in Italy, is confident she will be able to return to the sport.

"The good news is after I do treatment for a few more months, if I feel well, there's a chance I'll be able to play tennis again," she added. "Tennis has been my life for the last 15 years.

"This is the toughest time in my life, and I hope it always stays the toughest time in my life. I'm sure I'll be able to overcome this - it's just a matter of patience and time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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