

Serena Williams’ former physical therapist, Esther Lee, has been one of her constant companions. Being a dedicated professional, she is also a good friend. As Serena used to say, Esther will always make people around her laugh. Although she would reveal no private information regarding any celebrity she used to work with.
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In a sad turn of events, Lee announced that she has been suffering from pancreatic cancer. The cancer is in the fourth stage now. Fighting with death, Lee wanted to have a chat with her former clients and dialed up Serena and Venus to update them about her health.
A Tough fight for Lee
Fight with Cancer is always a tough one, and has severe emotional and physical effects, among others. Notably, over the first half of the year, Esther had lost her appetite, her abdomen swelled, she struggled to breathe, and she was always tired. That July, a series of tests and scans revealed a tumor the size of a cantaloupe in her abdomen, with additional lesions on her lymph nodes, liver, and the bones of her spinal column.
Although the chances of saving her are very less, she has been very strong and courageous in this critical stage of her life. Esther recently thanked everyone, including Serena and Venus, for their good wishes. Serena’s husband Alexis Ohanian also showed his support and shared it in his Instagram story.
Alexis Ohanian Reacts to Esther’s Health Update
Esther wrote a heartfelt note to thank everyone who sent their wishes for her health. Sharing the post on his Instagram story, Alexis also showed his love and support for Esther. He wrote, ” We LOVE YOU” in the caption.
For years, Esther Lee played an under-recognized role in the success of star athletes like the Williams sisters and Shaun White.
Now faced with cancer, she's carrying on with that work while fighting for her own life: https://t.co/mta3oFXLum pic.twitter.com/wjjqVUnLUC
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) May 17, 2022
A Few months ago Serena recalled her interaction with Lee. She broke down into tears while speaking about her friend’s critical condition. Also, the 23 times grand slam winner has announced that she has joined the LA cancer challenge 5K To raise awareness about Pancreatic cancer and raise money for Lee’s treatment. She then urged people to join her in the walk-run to do their part in finding the cure. Serena completed the run with her husband Alexis Ohanian and three-year-old daughter Olympia.
Read more: Who Is More Successful- Serena or Venus Williams?
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Serena Williams’ Absence From the Court
Former World Number 1 and the 23 times Grand Slam winner Serena Williams has been away from the tennis court for quite some time now. She last played in Wimbledon 2021, where she was looking forward to winning her 8th title.

via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 09: Serena Williams of the United States cools down between sets during her Ladies’ Singles fourth round match against Evgeniya Rodina of Russia on day seven of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 9, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
However, an ankle injury forced her to retire from the grass court during her Wimbledon first-round match with Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus on June 29. It also forced Serena Williams to miss the Tokyo Olympic Games. The former world number 1 tennis player has not returned to the court ever since.
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Watch this Story: Top Five Moments When Serena Williams Lost Her Temper
Looking at her current age(41) there were many speculations regarding her return and even retirement from the game. Clearing the air, Serena has quashed all the retirement rumors. Although, an official declaration of return to the game is still being awaited.
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