Former world number one tennis player Martina Navratilova revealed on Monday that she has been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer.
The former Czechoslovakian-born American is among tennis legends, with a total of 59 Grand Slam titles won in singles and doubles.
“It’s a dangerous double blow, but I can handle it – said the 66-year-old former player in a statement to the WTA -. I hope to get out of this crisis. I’ll be away for a while but I’ll make him fight.”
Navratilova, who was born in the Czech Republic but became a US citizen in 1981, had already battled breast cancer in 2010.
Navratilova added that the disease is in its early stages and will start treatment next week.
The disease was first discovered in early November during the WTA Finals tournament when Navratilova noticed swelling in her neck.
“Martina noticed swollen lymph nodes in her neck during the WTA Finals in Forth Worth. When the swelling didn’t subside, she underwent tests which showed throat cancer in its early stages,” said Marie Greenham , representative of Navratilova.
And he added: “At the same time that Martina was undergoing throat tests, another breast tumor was discovered, which the doctors then diagnosed as cancer that had absolutely nothing to do with throat cancer.” . great cure rate is possible.”
Greenham said Navratilova, who now works as a TV and radio commentator, will not travel to Melbourne for the Australian Open Jan. 16-29, but hopes to cover the tournament remotely.
