Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone revealed on Friday she's beaten cancer.
“They diagnosed me with a malign tumor. It was the toughest fight that I’ve ever faced,” the retired Italian player said in a video on Instagram.
“The best thing is that I was able to win this battle.
FILE - In this May 27, 2018 file photo Italy's Francesca Schiavone clenches her fist during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros Stadium in Paris. Former French Open champion Francesca Schiavone has revealed that she overcame a battle with cancer. (AP PhotoChristophe Ena)
"When they told me a few days ago I exploded with joy. I’m already ready to take on new projects that I had in mind but wasn’t able to carry out.”
The 39-year-old Schiavone won the 2010 French Open and was a finalist at Roland Garros the following year. She reached a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 2011.
Schiavone retired in 2018 and coached former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki briefly at the start of this year.
Wozniacki recently announced that she plans to retire after the upcoming Australian Open.
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