Spanish tennis player Carla Suárez Navarro announced on social media that she has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She will be taking chemotherapy for six months to beat cancer.

It’s time for me to face a complicated reality. It’s time to accept it and try to move forward, trusting in my medical advice. Always facing adversity with positivity.  Patience and self-belief guided me through my career. Not the easiest rival to deal with. I’ll truly need my best.
–Carla Suárez Navarro

Suárez Navarro had announced last year that 2020 would be her final year on tour. She withdrew from the US Open citing health reasons a few weeks ago.

She reached a career-high singles ranking of 11 in 2015. She reached the quarterfinals twice at the Australian Open, French Open, and the US Open. She also reached the semifinals in doubles at the French Open.

Several top male and female players offered support and sent positive vibes to Suárez Navarro.

Carlos Alcaraz is the next Rafael Nadal. We have heard that for a long time. At age 17, yesterday he won his first ATP Challenger title at Trieste, Italy.  He defeated Italian Riccardo Bonadio 6-4, 6-3.

Alcaraz, who is coached by Juan Carlos Ferrero, the 2003 French Open champion. His bold and attacking tennis has drawn comparisons with compatriot Rafael Nadal. With more success on the court, high expectations are set for the young Spaniard. 

Check out Alcaraz’s game here. This was his first ATP win in Rio.

Alcaraz is the youngest player since Felix Auger-Aliassime to win a challenger title.  Auger-Alisassime was 2 months younger than Alcarez when he won the title at Sevilla in 2017.

The six-month hiatus didn’t break Alcaraz’s momentum. He said he spent the downtime to get improve his physical conditioning. 

I always say that I don’t like to be compared with Rafa, but this is a great achievement. I have to make my own path and I have to enjoy these moments as much as I can. I learned a lot this week.

– Carlos Alcaraz

There is no doubt Carlos Alcaraz has impressive talent. We will see if he can meet the lofty expectations.