Tennis great Martina Navratilova has been diagnosed with throat and breast cancer. The 66-year-old Czech-born American citizen, who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, has won a combined 59 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles.
Navratilova first noticed a swelling in her neck in early November during the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) finals in Texas. After a biopsy was performed, the results came back as Stage 1 throat cancer, with a separate cancer found in her breast. Navratilova stated that the prognosis is good and treatments will begin next week. Due to her diagnosis, she will not be traveling to Melbourne for the Australian Open, but hopes to contribute to the broadcasts remotely.
The tennis player is handling her diagnosis with optimism, saying, "It's going to stink for a while, but I'll fight with all I have got." This is not the first time Navratilova has been diagnosed with cancer, as she was diagnosed and beat breast cancer in 2010. People around the world are sending their support and wishing her a speedy recovery.
Navratilova has had an incredible impact on the world of tennis and has achieved countless awards, accolades, and records. Her legacy will live on, and everyone is hoping for a positive outcome as she begins her treatments.