Kleybanova reveals cancer battle

Russia's Alisa Kleybanova has revealed she is fighting cancer.

The world number 28 has not played a match since May, missing the French Open and Wimbledon, and she chose her 22nd birthday on Friday to make public that she has Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Kleybanova is optimistic about her recovery but admitted she is unsure when or whether she will be able to resume her tennis career.
In a message on www.wtatennis.com, she wrote: "It's my birthday today [Friday] and I want to thank all of you for the wonderful messages. I haven't written anything for a long time about why I haven't been on tour, so that's why I'm writing this today.
"It's not an easy time for me right now. I've been a bit unlucky with my health. I have Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer.
"I've been having treatment in Italy and it has been going well, but it takes lots of patience and I've had to be really strong to go through this.
"The good news is after I do treatment for a few more months, if I feel well, there's a chance I'll be able to play tennis again.
"I really miss playing - I miss seeing fans and friends around the world, I miss hitting the ball, I miss everything. Tennis has been my life for the last 15 years.
"I am a strong person. I've shown it before. Obviously this is different than anything I've ever experienced, but after this is over my life will be even better than before.
"This is the toughest time in my life, and I hope it always stays the toughest time in my life. I'm sure I'll be able to overcome this - it's just a matter of patience and time."
Britain's Laura Robson was quick to post a message of support, saying on Twitter: "Wishing Alisa Kleybanova all the best as she battles Hodgkins Lymphoma. Will miss her on tour, great player and lovely person."
Doubles specialist Sarah Borwell added: "Wishing Kleybanova a speedy recovery.fight it girl, thinking of you!"
Kleybanova has won two WTA Tour singles titles and five doubles titles and she reached a career-high ranking of 20th in the world in February.
The Russian's best performances at grand slams have been a run to the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2008 and reaching the same stage of the Australian Open the following year, where her scalps included former world number one Ana Ivanovic.
The WTA offered their support, saying in a statement: "The thoughts of the WTA and the entire tennis family are with Alisa and her family at this difficult time. Alisa is a very strong and optimistic person and we wish her a speedy and full recovery."