MOSCOW - Kremlin Cup quarterfinalist Alisa Kleybanova says she is thrilled to be back playing on her home tennis courts in Moscow after battling with cancer.
The Russian 24-year-old reached her first quarterfinal since treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer, when defeating sixth seeded Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 7-6 6-4 in the joint ATP and WTA Kremlin Cup.
"I was very excited to be back here in Moscow because it's been a long time that I've been waiting to play this tournament," Kleybanova said after missing out in 2011 and last year.
The winner of two WTA titles added: "I'm really happy with how I dealt with all the stress - I actually felt really good out there and that's one of the reasons I was able to hold myself together in such a tough match and actually play some good tennis."
Kleybanova said that she was very touched after discovering how many people wrote her letters of support when she was fighting cancer.
"And I'd like to thank all of them for their sympathy and support," she said.
Ace back after beating cancer
MOSCOW - Kremlin Cup quarterfinalist Alisa Kleybanova says she is thrilled to be back playing on her home tennis courts in Moscow after battling with cancer.
The Russian 24-year-old reached her first quarterfinal since treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of cancer, when defeating sixth seeded Spaniard Carla Suarez Navarro 7-6 6-4 in the joint ATP and WTA Kremlin Cup.
"I was very excited to be back here in Moscow because it's been a long time that I've been waiting to play this tournament," Kleybanova said after missing out in 2011 and last year.
The winner of two WTA titles added: "I'm really happy with how I dealt with all the stress - I actually felt really good out there and that's one of the reasons I was able to hold myself together in such a tough match and actually play some good tennis."
Kleybanova said that she was very touched after discovering how many people wrote her letters of support when she was fighting cancer.
"And I'd like to thank all of them for their sympathy and support," she said.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos