My Battle Plan: Facing Cancer Again with Tennis Grit

Well folks, here I am, Martina Navratilova, staring down the barrel of another health challenge. Talk about déjà vu with a side order of 'seriously?!' Yep, discovered a swollen lymph node back in November – turns out it’s a double whammy of breast cancer and throat cancer. The docs say it’s early stages and unrelated, which honestly feels like getting two flat tires on the same trip. But hey, if there’s one thing my tennis career taught me, it’s how to handle unexpected volleys. As I told The Times, it's "serious but still fixable." I beat breast cancer once in 2010, and I'm gearing up to fight again with everything I've got. Sure, it’s gonna stink for a while, but I’m betting on a favorable outcome. Treatment kicks off next month in New York – consider it my next grand slam tournament. 🎾💪

Me, probably thinking about how to ace this treatment plan just like I aced serves back in the day.

The Tennis Tribe Rallies Round

Man oh man, when the news hit, my phone and Twitter? Totally blew up! Like, exploded. The love pouring in from the tennis family, past and present, has been absolutely humbling. It’s like walking onto Centre Court to a standing ovation... times a thousand. Here’s the lowdown on the support squad:

• Billie Jean King, the legend herself, didn’t hold back: "Martina is as brave as she is strong. She has fought this battle before, and she is in our thoughts and prayers." Classic Billie Jean – straight down the line. ❤️

• Then there’s Chris Evert, my fiercest rival turned rock-solid friend. Chrissie knows this path too well, having battled ovarian cancer last year. Her message hit deep: "Thinking of Martina today and supporting her journey, like she did mine, with love and prayers. This is a woman who takes on challenges with strength and resilience… You got this, Martina." Rivalry on court, solidarity off it – that’s the real win. 🙏

Billie Jean bringing the wisdom and warmth, as always.

Chrissie proving some bonds are stronger than any backhand.

• Even the current stars are chiming in! Ons Jabeur, world number two and absolute sunshine on tour, sent pure warmth: "Sending my love and support to you, Martina. I am praying for you." The future sending love to the past – gotta love this sport’s continuity.

Ons showing the class that makes her a fan favorite.

Drawing Strength from the Baseline

So, how do you face something like this again? You lean on the lessons learned smacking fuzzy yellow balls for a living. 🤷‍♀️

1. Resilience is Non-Negotiable: Remember those grueling three-setters under the Wimbledon sun? The ones where every muscle screamed? This feels familiar. You dig deep, you push through. No surrendering.

2. The Team Matters: Just like I needed coaches, physios, and sparring partners, fighting cancer needs a top-notch medical squad and a rock-solid support network. Check and check.

3. Focus on the Next Point: Can't win the match worrying about the last point or fearing the next. One day, one treatment, one step at a time. Stay present.

Holding that Wimbledon plate high in '90 – that feeling of triumph? That's the fuel for the fight now.

The Game Plan Moving Forward

Obviously, plans change. I won't be making the trip to Melbourne for the Australian Open this year, which bums me out. I was all set to analyze those killer backhands and cheeky drop shots for TV. But sometimes, you gotta call a medical timeout on life. My focus is squarely on the treatment ahead.

To everyone sending prayers, vibes, good juju, or just quiet thoughts – thank you. Truly. From the bottom of my very competitive heart. Your messages aren't just kind words; they're like aces of support landing right in my service box when I need them most. It means the world.

My message back? Simple, and straight from the heart I’ll be fighting with:

"Thank you all for your support... and I am not done yet."

This isn't match point. Not even close. It's just another challenging rally in the long game. And if there's one thing you can bet on, it's that Martina Navratilova doesn't back down from a fight. Game on, cancer. Game on. 💥