American tennis player Victoria Duval has announced that she is taking a break from the sport after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The 18-year-old received the diagnosis during qualifying for Wimbledon, but continued to play at SW19, beating 29th seed Sorana Cirstea in the first round.
The world number 114 said in a statement: "It is with a heavy heart that I will have to step away from tennis competition for a short period.
"I have complete faith that God will assist me and my family with all that we need to achieve victory and become stronger from this journey. I intend to put up my best fight and have a full recovery.
"I picture myself healthy, stronger and competing again soon with even more appreciation for the game I so love. I am grateful in advance to my fans and friends for their support and positive thoughts while I will undergo my treatment and fight this battle."
According to her representatives, the cancer has been caught at an early stage, and a full recovery is expected in a few months.
Sian Cowper
