By Tennis Now
Carla Suárez Navarro faces her greatest battle with characteristic class and grace.
The 31-year-old Spaniard faces six months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma.
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In a video statement posted to social media, a positive Suárez Navarro said she's willing to "face whatever comes" in her cancer battle.
"I'm fine and calm at the moment willing to face whatever comes," Suárez Navarro said. "Patience and self-belief guided me through my career. Not the easiest rival to deal with. I’ll need my truly best."
The gut-wrenching news prompted an outpouring of love, prayers and support for the popular Suárez Navarro.
Last December, the former world No. 6 announced her intention to retire after the 2020 season. Suárez Navarro said recurring injuries and her desire to spend more time with her family and less time traveling the global circuit were key components in her retirement decision.
"2020 will be my last year as a professional tennis player," Suárez Navarro said at a press conference in Spain. "Tennis has given me so much more than I could imagine when I started playing with twelve years. "I am beginning to have other priorities and tennis is a very demanding sport that requires many sacrifices. This last year will be just as intense and demanding.
"The objectives are clear and both my team and I are committed to make it as professional as possible."
Known for her signature shot, a brilliant one-handed backhand, Suárez Navarro has captured two singles titles and contested nine WTA Finals, including the 2015 Miami and Rome finals.
The baseliner from the Canary Islands is a three-time Australian Open quarterfinalist and a two-time quarterfinalist at both Roland Garros and the US Open. The 5'4" Spaniard has won three doubles titles—all partnering Garbine Muguruza—and advanced to six doubles finals, including the 2015 WTA Finals.
Photo credit: Rogers Cup Facebook