‘No Way I Can Play’ – When Martina Navratilova Showed True Grit by Opting to Play a Tennis Match Despite Her Traumatizing Battle With Cancer

The year 2010 was a turning point in the life of Martina Navratilova. One of the fittest athletes in the women’s tennis circuit, the legendary player was diagnosed with cancer earlier that year. She had a noninvasive form of cancer, called ductal carcinoma in situ.

Despite her battle against cancer, she regularly did physical exercises. Additionally, she also participated in exhibition tennis matches and senior events at Grand Slam tournaments. She once opened up about how she wanted to play tennis despite her traumatizing battle against cancer.

When Martina Navratilova didn’t want to stop playing during her battle against cancer

Talking about her physical and mental condition after suffering from cancer, Navratilova once said, “The week after I was diagnosed I was exhausted. I was getting ready for an exhibition event but initially I said, ‘there’s no way I can play’. Then I thought, ‘that’s one thing I can do well so I’ll play’.”

Further, she added, “When I was practicing I had to rest every five minutes. I was tired and I realized how much stress exhausts you physically.”

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Following her cancer diagnosis, Navratilova made a comeback at the French Open that year, playing in the women’s legend doubles. She won the title, partnering with Jana Novotna. Additionally, they also won the invitation doubles title at the Wimbledon Championships.

Navratilova witnesses the match between Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz

Yesterday, the tennis legend was present in the Arthur Ashe stadium to watch the match between Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz at the 2022 US Open. In a thrilling semifinal match, the Spaniard got the better of Tiafoe in five sets. The American star gave his all but lost steam in the fifth set against a spirited Alcaraz.

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With this win, Alcaraz entered his maiden Grand Slam final. He will face Norway’s Casper Ruud in the summit clash of the US Open. Both of them will be vying for their first major title.