'I'm cured': Tennis great's shocking 'return' after retirement backflip
Much-loved tennis superstar Carla Navarro has announced she has overcome cancer and is slated to take part in the up-coming French Open after an incredible retirement backflip.
The former World No.6 announced last September that she was diagnosed with early stage Hodgkin lymphoma and would need to go through six months of chemotherapy.
WOW: Roger and Mirka Federer's brutal setback in $92m relocation plan
'WHAT IS HAPPENING': Disbelief over Rafa Nadal drama
But the 32-year-old Spaniard took to Twitter on Thursday to announce she had overcome the cancer.
"Another step forward," Suarez Navarro wrote on Twitter where she announced that she finished treatment.
"Thanks to all for your warm messages. Every word of support gave me strength during the past few months.
"All my gratitude to healthcare professionals who take care of us every day. I'M CURED!"
The tennis community were rightfully thrilled Navarro had overcome the biggest battle of her life.
Wonderful news Carla, Congratulations. ❤️
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) April 22, 2021
Carla Suárez Navarro, one of the nicest people to ever play the sport, wins the biggest match of her life.
She is CANCER FREE! https://t.co/ZrpQtBUaOh— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 22, 2021
Tremendous news from Carla Suarez Navarro https://t.co/V1GUcHqYNk
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) April 22, 2021
Navarro could make French Open return
The Spaniard, known for one of the best backhands in the game, announced in 2019 that she planned to retire at the end of 2020.
Navarro had plans to compete in the 2020 US Open but withdrew due to health reasons.
But the 32-year-old now intends to keep playing after her final season was interrupted by Covid-19 and her health issues.
According to a report on the WTA website, Suarez Navarro plans to play at the May 24-June 13 French Open, where she has direct entry into the main draw.
Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:
with Reuters
Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.