Russian youngster Alisa Kleybanova fighting for her life; battling cancer – Tennis News
Tennis rising star, Alisa Kleybanova of Russia revealed that she is fighting cancer on her 22nd birthday on the 15th of July, 2011. Kleybanova was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer, and is
currently fighting for her life in Italy.
Ranked 28th in the Sony Ericsson WTA Premier rankings, Kleybanova thanked to her fans for the birthday wishes on WTA official site and revealed about her absence in tennis. She stated that she is going through a very
difficult time and is fighting cancer. However, she did tell that she will come back on courts in few months when she will be able to play tennis again.
"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.”
The terrified Russian however have strong ambitions and hasn’t given up her life after finding out the disease. She said, “I am a strong person. 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... I'm sure I'll be able to overcome this - it's just a matter of patience and time."
The Moscow native is going through a painful treatment in Italy and the procedure is at the ending stage. She decided to get treatment in Italy because she considers it her second home since her friends and relatives reside there
and are supporting her in this stage of her life.
The poor Russian had a brilliant season last year as she reached twenty-fifth rank in the WTA rankings and reached far in many tournaments. She triumphed title at Seoul and Kuala Lumpur and made final berth at Bali. Kleybanova
also reached last eight at Indian Wells, San Diego and Moscow.
Earlier this season, the Russian youngster reached her career best rank at number twenty in February. She also reached her career best rank in doubles ranking in February after making a top ten appearance. In addition to this,
she made semi-final berth at Sydney and quarter-final showings at Dubai and Estoril.
On May 2011, she played her last tournament at Rome before getting sick. Kleybanova dumped American qualifier Varvara Lepchenko in straight sets in her opening round match to set-up a clash with tenth seeded Israeli Shahar Peer.
She lost to Peer in straight sets in the second round and this was her last match.
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